Overview
- Perez said on the High Performance podcast on Monday that Christian Horner told him Red Bull ran a second car only 'because we have to' and that 'everything is for Max'.
- He blamed Red Bull’s structure for concentrating the most experienced engineers and upgrade resources on Max Verstappen, and said technical updates often increased the gap between them.
- Perez said he accepted a subordinate role, kept the same engineering group for his four seasons at Red Bull, and believes he overdelivered with five wins and 26 podiums for the team.
- The Mexican driver left Red Bull at the end of 2024, spent 2025 out of F1, returned with Cadillac in 2026, and says Red Bull only fully recognised his contribution after his replacements underperformed.
- Perez also recalled helping Force India into administration before Lawrence Stroll’s consortium bought the team, a history he says shows his influence on the sport beyond his Red Bull years.