Perez: 'Next to Verstappen you have to be very strong in your shoes'

A place at the dominant Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 must be the dream for many drivers. The downside is that as long as Max Verstappen is also driving there, joining the team can be quite a mental challenge. Sergio Perez talks about his position in Formula 1.

As a teammate of Verstappen, a lesser weekend always standsout. Verstappen drives like a metronome, makes no mistakes and is on top of things every race weekend. This is something Perez has experienced himself for almost three years now. Perez, like the other F1 drivers, is one of the best drivers in the world, but pales in comparison to the Dutch two-time world champion.

Perez needs to stand firm

Speaking to Viaplay ahead of the Dutch GP, Perez talks about what it is like to stand next to Verstappen: "It is very difficult to have Verstappen as a teammate. He is very talented, he works very hard, always performs and is very goal-oriented. He is a top driver, but it is also nice to have him as a teammate. Then you have to perform to the maximum. It puts you under a lot of pressure."

Perez says how he deals with that pressure: "It is not easy to deal with someone who is always performing. It's a unique situation and I learned a lot because of that. It's a great time." Asked if his spot is the most difficult place on the grid, the Mexican replied: "Yes, I think so. If you are not strong enough in your shoes, it will be very difficult to compete against him."