Sergio Perez, from Mexico, racing for Red Bull, made a statement about why other drivers did not stay with the team before extending his Formula 1 contract until 2026. Red Bull announced on Tuesday that Perez signed a two-year renewal, ensuring that both drivers are committed to the team for the next F1 rule reset. Perez will continue to be Max Verstappen’s teammate for a sixth season, putting them on track to become the longest-serving teammates in F1 history, with only 30 races left. This is a significant change from the period between Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018 and Perez’s arrival in 2021, during which Red Bull frequently changed its lineup. Pierre Gasly struggled alongside Verstappen in 2019 and was eventually replaced by Alex Albon after 12 races. Although Albon performed well enough after the summer break to keep his place in 2020, he struggled with the unpredictable RB16 car. When asked about his contribution to the team compared to previous drivers, Perez suggested that there is a specific reason why he has been successful. He acknowledged the challenge of being Verstappen’s teammate, whom he considers the best driver. Perez believes that in order to beat him, he must perform flawlessly and push his limits. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Perez denied feeling any additional pressure this season, stating that Formula 1 always comes with pressure, especially in a high-pressure environment like Red Bull. He acknowledged that negotiations can be stressful, but he remains focused on performing well during race weekends and working in the simulator.
