Sergio Perez reveals brutal Max Verstappen reality at Red Bull

Sergio Perez has revealed that Max Verstappen received "everything" from Red Bull during the duo's four years as team-mates, something he simply had to accept.

The Mexican driver joined Red Bull at the start of the 2021 campaign before mutually parting ways with the team at the end of 2024 after four years together.

During that time, Perez played a key role as Red Bull's number two driver, often delivering defensive displays that proved critical to several of Verstappen's and the team's title successes.

However, it was rare for the current Cadillac driver to match the four-time world champion, with his performances dropping significantly during his final 18 months at the Austrian outfit.

After taking a sabbatical in 2025, Perez has returned to form with Formula 1's newest team, although he has lifted the lid on what it was like partnering Verstappen.

According to Perez, he quickly discovered that everything was geared towards the Dutchman, including access to the team's most experienced engineers. It was something the 36-year-old knew he would face, understanding that Red Bull was firmly Verstappen's team.

Asked what it is like to partner Verstappen at Red Bull, Perez told the High Performance podcast: "To face Max at Red Bull is the toughest challenge. I mean, even to face Max at any other team would be very tough. 

"But to face him at Red Bull, with his team, his people, his surroundings, it's tough, and you need the best of the best in every area, and you just don't have that, you know.

"While he has all the opportunities in terms of engineering, senior engineers, experienced engineers, everything goes to Max. But I knew that before I came, so I thought, 'Look, I can either complain or get on with what I have,' and that's what I did.

"The four years I was there, I kept the same engineering team. That's something I feel extremely proud of."