Has Sergio Perez never received a fair chance at Red Bull? His father Antonio Perez Garibay, who takes his son’s former employer, is of the opinion. He claims: “If Checo had the same car as Verstappen, he would be world champion today.”
Instead, however, it was released every year – no coincidence, says Papa Perez: “Checo drove for four years at Red Bull. How many years became Red Bull during this time world champion? Four years,” he emphasizes “SoyMotor”. “Checo made Verstappen the world champion. Red Bull needed him.”
But while Verstappen won the title at Red Bull in the four years together at Red Bull, Perez could not keep up with his teammate: in 2023 he reached his greatest success with the vice title in the dominant RB19, which was able to win every race except for Singapore. Otherwise, he became the World Cup press (2022), fourth (2021) and eight (2024).
Despite an early contract extension, Red Bull separated from the Mexican, who did not occupy a racing cockpit in 2025 and put on a break.
Max Verstappen’s father Jos has now reacted to the statements of Perez Garibay and shot back sharply in a posting on X: “What kind of idiot this type is,” he wrote. Verstappen continues: “He always got the same material. He just has to step on the gas.”
Verstappen has even more grip on his teammates in 2025 than ever. Liam Lawson was degraded after only two races, his successor Yuki Tsunoda is currently in 19th for the World Cup and has so far only been able to contribute nine points.
Papa Perez: Sergio is said to be world champion with Cadillac
Perez will return to Formula 1 in 2026 and take a new attempt at Neuling Cadillac – alongside Valtteri Bottas, another driver who played the second violin alongside a repeated world champion.
“I have the feeling that I have nothing to prove anymore,” said Perez when he imagined. “Not because of the current driver or my successor in the team, but also before.”
“Today everyone forgets how difficult this place is at Red Bull – to constantly adapt to mentally build self -confidence. It is a very special challenge. I don’t think I still have to prove something when you see how many points the drivers have brought after me,” said the Mexican.
“For me, my comeback is more about enjoying the sport again. I want to enjoy the sport that I love, which gave me so much. I couldn’t afford to leave Formula 1 as it happened. That’s why I come back with this new project. Of course, I hope that it will be very successful. But above all I would like to enjoy this return.”
However, Papa Perez has larger ambitions for his son: “The cooperation between Checo and Cadillac has only one goal: becoming world champion in Formula 1.”