Perez opened his soul and revealed the secret of Verstappen's dominance: 'Very few drivers can do that'

Sergio Perez has spoken openly about his time working alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, revealing insights into the Dutch driver’s dominance and how it shaped his own evolution as a Formula One driver. During four seasons with Verstappen, from 2021 to 2024, Perez did not win the world championship, yet he claims the experience was invaluable. He described the period as a transformative phase, during which he learned not just how to drive better, but also how to lead and improve as part of a team. In a recent episode of the High Performance podcast, Perez reflected on his time with Verstappen, emphasizing the impact the four-time world champion had on him personally and professionally. He acknowledged that while the team was heavily focused on Verstappen, this dynamic ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the team after the 2024 season. However, he also highlighted the lessons he gained from being close to one of the sport's most dominant figures. “Being four years with Max was a special experience,” Perez said. “He is the driving force behind the team. Even though he gets all the support a driver could want, Max is an incredibly complete driver and a strong personality in every aspect.” Perez specifically praised Verstappen’s leadership qualities, noting that they set him apart from many other drivers in Formula One. He explained that Verstappen’s ability to guide the team, identify weaknesses, and push everyone around him to improve made him a unique leader. “He taught me how to lead a team. Max is a real leader who pushes everyone around him to be better. He knows exactly what he needs to be fast, and he clearly identifies where there are shortcomings. Additionally, he is incredibly dedicated to work. Watching that up close over four years, in different cars, definitely made me a better driver,” he added. Perez emphasized that Verstappen’s greatest strength lies in his ability to direct the development of the car and communicate effectively with engineers, skills he believes are rare among drivers. He noted that few can articulate the direction needed for performance improvements as precisely as Verstappen does. “This isn’t something many drivers are capable of. Max can very accurately explain where we lack performance and how to achieve solutions. That’s truly special and one of the most important things I learned from him,” Perez said. After leaving Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, Perez joined Cadillac for the 2025 campaign. However, early in the season, he has struggled to find form, currently sitting 22nd in the overall standings. His return to Formula One has been marked by challenges, and he continues to adapt to the new environment. Despite these difficulties, he remains reflective on his time with Verstappen and the lasting influence it has had on his career.