Sergio Perez offers rare insight into late Red Bull struggles

Sergio Perez has offered a rare insight into the struggle he endured as his time with Red Bull reached its conclusion in Formula 1. 

Perez spent four seasons alongside Max Verstappen racing for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, before agreeing to part ways at the end of 2024. 

The Mexican driver has not raced in any category this year, although is now busy preparing for Cadillac's 2026 entry into the pinnacle of motorsport. 

F1 became a significant challenge for Perez last campaign, as his future with Red Bull came under major scrutiny due to a run of shocking results. 

Last year, Perez picked up just two points from the last five grands prix, while he failed to collect a podium in the last 19. 

It was a miserable year for Perez, who did not realise at the time that he needed a period away from F1.

"I didn't feel at the time [but I needed the break]," Perez told F1. "When you are in the sport, you are carried away with the fact that you are always thinking about your next year, your next race, your next contract.

"It's like you are in automatic mode. But once you are forced to step out of it like I was, you realise a lot of things and you see the sport different."

Having now spent time away from F1 before beginning to work with Cadillac, Perez has rediscovered his love for the championship. 

The end of his time with Red Bull drained the 35-year-old, who is eager to end his career on a high note.

Discussing if he has fallen back in love with the sport, Perez replied: "Yeah, definitely. "You have to remember that my last six months at Red Bull were very difficult for myself in all areas.

"I started to have a bit of demotivation with the sport and I cannot let that happen because this is a sport that gave me everything.

"The day that I leave the sport, I want to leave it with a big smile and a lot of respect because the sport has given me everything."