New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) Sergio Perez has revealed the difficulties of being Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull, asserting that even top-tier Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc would "struggle massively" in such a challenging environment.

Perez, who teamed up with Verstappen for four seasons from 2021 to 2024, faced a challenging final year, finishing eighth in the drivers' standings before leaving the team. However, he emphasizes that his own difficulties only underscore the immense challenge of competing alongside the Dutch triple world champion.

“The moment I finalized my departure from Red Bull, I realized - the next driver coming in has a tough task ahead,” Perez told reporters on Thursday. “No driver can thrive there. It doesn’t matter if it’s Hamilton or Leclerc; anyone who steps into that role is going to face significant challenges. It’s a very distinct driving style. You must continuously adapt to Max's requirements. That’s just the reality.”

The Mexican driver elaborated that Verstappen’s superiority and Red Bull’s car configuration leave minimal opportunities for others to excel. “Being alongside Max is quite tough, but being his teammate at Red Bull is something that many fail to grasp,” Perez explained. “There are numerous aspects I could discuss, but fundamentally it’s an incredibly demanding job for any driver.”

Verstappen’s image as F1’s ultimate “teammate killer” has only intensified over time, with drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and more recently Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda struggling to match the Dutchman’s relentless speed.

Despite occasional tensions during their partnership, Perez and Verstappen maintained a respectful rapport, with the Mexican expressing admiration for his former teammate's current performance. Verstappen has made a strong comeback in the 2025 championship fight, closing the gap on McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

“Max has been the standout performer this year. He’s keeping everyone engaged with F1,” Perez commented. “Somehow, they have adapted this season, and with McLaren’s ups and downs, he has a shot at the championship. I believe he deserves it the most, given his exceptional driving.”

Now gearing up for a return with Cadillac, Perez is keen to conclude his career on his own terms and demonstrate that he still has much to offer. “It took me about six months to realize I wanted to make a comeback,” he stated. “I wanted to return to finish my career appropriately. At the same time, I pondered if it truly mattered. If I didn’t find the right project or motivation, I wouldn’t consider it.”

Perez noted that this new challenge has rekindled his drive. “I’m genuinely excited. I believe I still have a lot to contribute to the sport,” he expressed. “I consider myself fortunate for the career I've had, but I aim to finish on a high note. The last year of my career was tough, and I know my potential with the right environment. I think people will be surprised by how competitive I can be upon my return. I have that motivation with me now. I have this final point to prove in my career and ensure I leave when I choose.”

The exhilarating 2025 Formula 1 title race resumes next weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, featuring a Sprint weekend from November 7-9.