Mexican driver Sergio Perez has said that even elite Formula One drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc would struggle to survive as Max Verstappen's Red Bull teammates.
Perez has driven with Verstappen for four seasons since joining Red Bull in 2021, and the Dutchman has won four consecutive titles during that time.
Perez finished 2024 in eighth place overall, which left him without a job at Red Bull for 2025.
Liam Lawson was hired to replace him, who was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after just two races.
Ahead of his return to Formula 1 next year in Cadillac, Perez spoke to Sky about his time at Red Bull.
"I don't like to criticise the drivers who were there because I was in that position and I know exactly what they're going through. As soon as I signed to leave Red Bull, when we reached an agreement, I thought: 'Poor guy, whoever comes here, it's difficult'. Being next to Max is very difficult, but being next to Max at Red Bull is something that people don't understand," Perez said.
"There are many things I could tell you, but it's just a very difficult job for a driver. No driver can survive there. It doesn't matter if you bring Hamilton, Leclerc. Whoever you bring there will have huge problems. It's a very unique driving style. You have to constantly adapt to Max's needs," he added.
Verstappen is currently third in the championship behind McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastre, but has closed the gap in the last few races and is back in the title race.
Perez said that Verstappen deserves to win the title this year.
"People watch Formula 1 because of him. They've kind of turned the season around and with McLaren's accidents, he has a chance to do it. I think he deserved to win the title the most because he drove phenomenally," Perez said.
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