Max Verstappen Emphasizes That Sergio Pérez’s 2024 Results Do Not Define His Legacy

Verstappen Backs Pérez Ahead of Cadillac F1 Debut

Published: August 29, 2025 at 8:00 AM ET

As Sergio Pérez prepares for a fresh start with Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026, his former Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, has publicly voiced his support for the Mexican driver. Verstappen affirmed that Pérez’s challenges during his final season with Red Bull do not diminish his overall capability and potential.

A New Beginning for Pérez and Bottas

earlier this week, it was officially announced that Pérez will be joining forces with Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac when the American manufacturer makes its Formula 1 debut as the eleventh team on the grid in 2026. Pérez’s departure from Red Bull followed a period of fluctuating performance, ultimately leading too the termination of his contract at the end of 2024. Though, Pérez confidently stated he has “nothing to prove” as he embarks on this new opportunity.

During a press conference leading up to the Dutch grand Prix, Verstappen shared his positive reaction to the news. He revealed he had personally reached out to Pérez to offer his congratulations.

“When I saw the news come out, I sent a message to him. I’m, of course, very happy for him that he got a seat. He’s a great guy, and we always got along very well,” Verstappen stated. “I’m happy to see him back on the grid.”

Performance Hinges on the Car, Says Verstappen

Verstappen acknowledged that Pérez’s future success will be closely tied to the competitiveness of the Cadillac team and its car. He noted that assessing potential performance at this stage is tough but expressed optimism about the new challenge. “How he’s going to perform will also depend on how good the car is going to be,” he explained. “It’s a bit difficult to say at the moment, but it’s a new opportunity and I’m sure he’s very excited for it.”

Pérez’s Impressive Formula 1 Record

throughout his 14-year career in Formula 1, Pérez has accumulated an impressive record, including six race victories, 39 podium finishes, and three pole positions. A significant portion of these achievements came during his time with Red Bull, culminating in a second-place finish in the 2023 World Championship, behind his teammate Verstappen.

when questioned about Pérez’s ability to recapture his peak form, Verstappen remained confident. “Yeah, I mean, it’s a fresh start now. I think it’s not about one half of a season-that doesn’t define what you can do,” he said. “He has shown a lot of great things, even before he got to Red Bull, and during the Red Bull times.”

did You Know? Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 marks a significant step for American motorsport, perhaps drawing new audiences and investment into the sport.

experience a Valuable Asset

Verstappen further elaborated on the value of Pérez’s extensive experience, highlighting his familiarity with various teams and car regulations. “He has driven for a lot of different teams, so he knows a lot about how teams work,” Verstappen observed. “Every single team works a little differently.”

He also pointed out Pérez’s adaptability to evolving technical regulations, stating, “He has been in a lot of different regulations, a lot of different rule sets…to have that general understanding of how a great car is, how a car is that’s not fantastic-I think it’s very valuable for them to start with.” Verstappen believes this comprehensive understanding will be instrumental in Cadillac’s initial development and competitiveness.

Driver	Race Wins	Podium finishes	Pole Positions
Sergio Pérez	6	39	3
Max Verstappen	54*	96*	32*

*As of August 29, 2025

the Growing American Presence in Formula 1

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 aligns with a broader trend of increasing American involvement in the sport. The United states hosted multiple Grand Prix events in 2024, including a highly successful race in Miami, and viewership numbers are steadily rising. This growing interest in F1 within the US market is attracting new manufacturers and sponsors, bolstering the sport’s global appeal. The shift is a response to the strong and rising fandom in the United States, which has increased by 32.5% since 2021 according to Nielsen.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Cadillac’s technical partnerships, as these will be crucial to their success in a highly competitive field such as Formula 1.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sergio Pérez and Cadillac F1

• What is the meaning of Sergio Pérez joining Cadillac F1?

Pérez’s move to cadillac represents a new chapter in his career and a significant step for American motorsport in Formula 1.

• What challenges does Sergio Pérez face with Cadillac?

Pérez will need to contribute to the development of a brand-new team and car, adapting to a new surroundings and building a competitive program from the ground up.

• How does Max Verstappen view Sergio Pérez’s chances at Cadillac?

Verstappen believes Pérez has the experience and talent to succeed, emphasizing that a fresh start can be beneficial and that a competitive car is key.

• What is Sergio Pérez’s overall Formula 1 record?

Pérez has achieved 6 race wins, 39 podium finishes, and 3 pole positions throughout his 14-year Formula 1 career.

• What impact will Cadillac’s entry have on Formula 1?

Cadillac’s entrance is expected to increase the sport’s presence in the American market and foster greater competition among teams.

What are your thoughts on Pérez’s move to cadillac? Do you think the American team can become a frontrunner in Formula 1?

Share this article and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

How does VerstappenS view of Pérez’s strategic importance challenge the conventional focus on individual race results in Formula 1?

The Broader Context of Teammate Dynamics in Formula 1

The intense scrutiny surrounding Sergio Pérez’s performance in the 2024 Formula 1 season has been a constant narrative. Though, reigning World Champion Max Verstappen recently offered a powerful perspective, asserting that a single season’s results shouldn’t overshadow Pérez’s overall contribution and legacy within Red Bull Racing and the sport. This stance highlights the complex dynamics of teammate relationships in F1, were individual performance is often weighed against the collective goal of championship success. The debate around Sergio Pérez’s future and his Red Bull Racing seat has been especially fervent.

Verstappen’s Defence of Pérez: Beyond the Lap Times

Verstappen’s comments, made during a post-race interview following the Italian Grand Prix, weren’t simply a gesture of camaraderie. He emphasized Pérez’s crucial role in securing Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship victories, particularly in 2023.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points Verstappen made:

Strategic Importance: Pérez’s ability to strategically disrupt rivals and secure valuable points, even when not challenging for the win, has been vital. This is a key aspect of Formula 1 team strategy.

Racecraft & Tire management: Verstappen acknowledged Pérez’s strong racecraft and exceptional tire management skills, qualities that have consistently benefited the team.

Pressure relief: Having a capable teammate alleviates pressure on Verstappen, preventing opposing teams from solely focusing their strategies on him. This is a critical element of F1 driver pairings.

Beyond Individual Glory: Verstappen stressed that F1 is a team sport,and judging a driver solely on individual race results ignores the bigger picture.

Analyzing Pérez’s 2024 Season: Challenges and Contributing Factors

While Pérez has faced criticism for inconsistent performances in 2024, it’s crucial to consider the factors at play. The 2024 F1 season has been marked by:

Progress Discrepancies: Early in the season, Pérez struggled to adapt to certain car developments as quickly as Verstappen, creating a performance gap.

Qualifying Struggles: Qualifying remained a consistent weakness for Pérez, frequently enough hindering his race potential. F1 qualifying performance is a significant indicator of race day success.

Increased Competition: the overall competitiveness of the midfield has increased,making it harder to consistently secure podium finishes.

Pressure & Expectations: The immense pressure of driving alongside a dominant champion like Verstappen undoubtedly impacts performance.

Historical Precedents: Teammate Support and Legacy

Throughout Formula 1 history, numerous instances demonstrate the importance of teammate support and the long-term value of a driver beyond immediate results.

Consider these examples:

1. Rubens Barrichello & Michael Schumacher (Ferrari): Barrichello often played a supporting role to Schumacher, contributing to Ferrari’s dominant era despite not always challenging for wins. His legacy isn’t solely defined by his win count.
2. Mark Webber & Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing): Webber’s experiance and technical feedback were instrumental in Red Bull’s early success with Vettel, even though Vettel ultimately became the team’s undisputed number one driver.
3. Valtteri Bottas & Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): Bottas consistently provided a solid performance, helping Mercedes secure multiple Constructors’ Championships, even if he wasn’t always in contention for the Driver’s Championship.

These cases illustrate that a driver’s contribution to a team’s success extends beyond individual victories. Teamwork in Formula 1 is paramount.

The Impact of Verstappen’s Statement on Team Dynamics

Verstappen’s public defense of Pérez is significant for several reasons:

Internal Unity: It reinforces a sense of unity within the Red Bull team, crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.

Boosting Pérez’s Confidence: The public support can help Pérez regain confidence and improve his performance.

Managing External Pressure: It addresses the external speculation surrounding Pérez’s future and deflects some of the criticism.

Long-Term Vision: It signals Red Bull’s commitment to a stable driver lineup, prioritizing long-term success over short-term gains. Red Bull driver strategy is often focused on long-term development.

Looking Ahead: Pérez’s Opportunities for Redemption

Despite the challenges, Pérez still has opportunities to solidify his position within Red Bull. Key areas for advancement include:

Qualifying performance: Focusing on improving qualifying pace is crucial for maximizing race potential.

Early Season Adaptation: Quickly adapting to new car developments will be essential for staying competitive.

Consistency: Delivering consistent results, even when not challenging for the win, will demonstrate his value to the team.

Strategic Execution: Continuing to execute strategic plans effectively and contribute to the team’s overall success.

The remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 calendar presents Pérez with a chance to demonstrate his capabilities and prove his worth to Red Bull racing. The *