Perez slams 'unsurvivable' Red Bull: 'That poor guy who comes here'

Reflecting on his own turbulent spell with the team, Perez said the challenge goes far beyond raw pace. He joined Red Bull in 2021 and, despite finishing runner-up to Verstappen in 2023, his performances dipped the following year a slump that ended with his departure.

Red Bull’s revolving door since has only reinforced his point. Liam Lawson was drafted in but lasted just two races before being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who has also battled to find form.

Ahead of his 2026 comeback with Cadillac, Perez said he feels nothing but sympathy for those who’ve followed him into what he calls an unforgiving environment.

“I don’t like criticising the drivers that are there, because I was in that position,” he told Sky F1. “I know exactly what they’re going through. The minute I signed my exit with Red Bull, when we came to an agreement, I thought, ‘That poor guy who comes here.’”

Racing Bulls' star rookie Isack Hadjar is reportedly being lined up for a promotion, but Perez's remarks seem to hang like a warning sign against the move, suggesting the Red Bull seat beside Verstappen has become a career trap.

“It’s a very difficult place,” he explained. “Obviously, being next to Max is very difficult, but being next to Max in Red Bull, it’s something people don’t understand.

Throughout the Mexico GP weekend Verstappen has struggled with low grip related issues, which eventually saw him qualify in P5 a long way away from title rival Lando Norris' pole position time.

His RB21's behaviour and lack of performance prompted Verstappen's bleak forecast for the Grand Prix. You can read his full comments here.

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