‘I raced 66 times for Red Bull – even Lewis Hamilton couldn’t succeed there’

Sergio Perez raced 66 times during his Red Bull career, but the Mexican driver believes that even Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc couldn’t beat Max Verstappen in that environment

Sergio Perez reckons that ‘even Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’ would find it tough battling Max Verstappen as team-mates at Red Bull. The Mexican driver issued a stark warning to Isack Hadjar, who is tipped to be confirmed as the Dutchman’s new partner in the coming weeks.

Hadjar earned his Formula One spot following the domino effect sparked by Perez’s brutal Red Bull departure in December, with the French-Algerian youngster seizing his chance. He’s bagged a podium finish and eight top-10 results so far in 2025, positioning himself in the upper half of the championship table.

These displays, coupled with current driver Yuki Tsunoda’s difficulties and previous incumbent Liam Lawson’s struggles, have made him the clear frontrunner to join Verstappen in 2026. But Perez offered some cautionary advice for Hadjar to mull over.

“I don’t like criticising the drivers that are there, because I was in that position,” he told Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. “I know what exactly they’re going through. The minute I signed my exit with Red Bull, when we came to an agreement, I [thought] ‘That poor guy who comes here’.”

Perez added: “It’s a very difficult place. Obviously, being next to Max is very difficult, but being next to Max in Red Bull… it’s something people don’t understand. There are so many things that I could tell you.

“But it’s simply just a very difficult job for a driver. There is no driver that can survive there. It doesn’t matter if you bring Hamilton or Leclerc – whoever you bring, there is going to struggle massively.”

The 21 year old Hadjar’s rapid ascent has even taken him by surprise, but after months of speculation, the constant attention is starting to wear on him. “Actually, I’d like to know at the end of the year,” he admitted. “It’s more annoying than anything, the noise. So five races to keep pushing.”

Helmut Marko has already stated that Red Bull will make their driver line-up decisions after this weekend’s Mexican GP, making Sunday’s race a crucial turning point in the careers of Hadjar, Lawson and Tsunoda.

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Racing Bulls’ rookie sensation is well-placed in that respect, as he will start eighth on the grid behind World Championship leader Oscar Piastri. “If there’s one more weekend to make the difference, I need to perform well,” he confessed.

“I have no regrets this year with what I did. I don’t think one weekend will change the difference, except if I end up on the podium or win the race! I’m happy with my season. I will keep pushing.”