“The hardest place to be”: Sergio Perez delivers clear verdict on Red Bull’s place in his F1 career

Sergio Perez stated that Red Bull Racing is the hardest place to be as a racing driver. He added that to achieve success with the Milton Keynes-based team, one has to be mentally and physically tough.

After four years, five victories, and a P2 finish in championship standings, Perez has been fired by Red Bull. On December 18, 2024, the team released an official statement announcing his departure.

The Mexican driver saw a dramatic decline in his performance in 2024. While in 2023, he finished P2 in the championship race with 285 points; Checo slipped to P8 last year with 152 points. Despite clinching a podium in the first four of the five races, the 34-year-old had a downfall after the Miami Grand Prix.

Since his departure was announced, Sergio Perez made his first public appearance and shed light on his tenure with Red Bull. Talking to Pit Debrief, he said:

"Red Bull was a team where I was pushed to the limit. It’s undoubtedly the hardest place to be—being at Red Bull and being Max Verstappen’s teammate. Great drivers have been at Red Bull, but you only survive if you’re mentally strong."

Perez was dealt with tough times in the 2024 season as rumors surrounding his future dominated the headlines. While Red Bull provided him with security by agreeing to a two-year extension contract, the Mexican driver failed to capitalize on his opportunities, leading to an unfortunate end as the team nullified his contract.

As the 34-year-old steps away, Liam Lawson is set to take over his Red Bull seat in the 2025 season. The 22-year-old drove six races for the sister team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, in 2024 and left a profound impact on the senior team.

After much contemplation, Red Bull reached a consensus and made the decision public last month.

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Sergio Perez addresses the possibility of a return in F1

Former Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez (Image Source: Getty)

Sergio Perez, a six-time race winner, remains without a seat in F1 after Red Bull sacked him last month. In the interview with Pit Debrief, he revealed that the decision happened quickly, and further addressing his potential return to the sport, Perez said:

"Everything happened very quickly at the end of the season, and I didn’t expect it. If you ask me now, I honestly don’t know. If a good, interesting project in F1 comes my way, I’ll consider it and think about it, but everything will come in its own time."

Sergio Perez is a veteran racing driver who made his debut in 2011. His career began with Sauber and peaked during his promising stint at Force India (later rebranded as Racing Point).

Perez later got a call from Red Bull, where he tasted profound success. However, this year, the Mexican driver will watch the season from the comfort of his home.