Pérez Lost Motivation Next to Verstappen: “It Was Mentally Very Tough”

Sergio Pérez admits he completely lost his motivation during his final phase at Red Bull. The Mexican driver says racing alongside Max Verstappen took a heavy mental toll, and that the constant pressure contributed to his decision to take a break from Formula 1. Now preparing for his comeback with Cadillac, Pérez speaks openly about how difficult that period truly was.

Pérez joined Red Bull in 2021 as the teammate tasked with supporting Verstappen in the title fight. Although he delivered strong performances at times, the gap between the two drivers steadily grew. By 2023 and 2024, that difference became a major discussion point within the team and across the paddock.

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The Mexican says he struggled to cope with the environment. While Verstappen continued to dominate, Pérez often fought for confidence, consistency and clarity in the car. The pressure peaked last year, when speculation about his future overshadowed almost every race weekend.

“I Could Not Keep It Up Anymore”

In an interview with DAZN, Pérez looked back on his time at Red Bull. “It was mentally very tough. I knew from the start how strong Max is, but driving next to him is extremely demanding. At a certain point, I felt I could not keep it up anymore.”

He says the pressure built up race after race. “Every small mistake became a big story. Every weekend felt like a judgement. When you are in that situation for too long, you start losing joy and motivation.”

A Fresh Start With Cadillac

Pérez says stepping away for a year allowed him to reset. His upcoming return with Cadillac has given him new energy. “I needed distance. Once I took that step, I realised how burned out I had been. Now I feel fresh again. I am hungry to compete and to help build something new.”

The Mexican emphasises that he holds no resentment toward Verstappen. “Max is one of the greatest ever. Driving alongside him is the toughest challenge in Formula 1. That is just reality. I learned a lot from him, even during the hardest moments.”

With a new chapter ahead, Pérez says he is ready for a healthier balance. “I want to enjoy racing again. The goal with Cadillac is not instant success but growth. That feeling already motivates me much more than anything did in my final Red Bull months.”