Sergio Perez: The Key Figure Behind Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Success
From his home in Guadalajara, Antonio Pérez has once again reflected on his son Sergio’s career in Formula 1, emphasizing the pivotal role the Mexican driver played during Red Bull’s golden years. Antonio stressed that Checo’s presence in the team was a key factor in Max Verstappen’s achievements and, by extension, in maintaining the winning momentum of the Milton Keynes outfit.
According to Pérez Sr., the record of Sergio’s four seasons alongside Verstappen speaks for itself. In every year that Checo partnered with the Dutch driver, Red Bull secured at least one world championship. Even in seasons where the technical balance did not fully favor the Austrian team, the consistency and performance of the Guadalajara-born driver provided a reliable foundation that successors have struggled to replicate.
Antonio Pérez was clear in his comparison: neither Liam Lawson nor Yuki Tsunoda, who filled Checo’s seat after his departure at the end of 2024, managed to achieve the same level of performance. In his view, this underscores how undervalued Sergio’s contribution has been within the team.
Highlighting Checo’s Impact: The 2021 Abu Dhabi Finale
One of the most striking examples cited by Pérez Sr. was the 2021 season, remembered for the controversial Abu Dhabi finale. He recalled how Sergio managed to hold off Lewis Hamilton for two critical laps, allowing Max Verstappen to close the gap and stay within striking distance of the Mercedes driver. According to his father, this act not only directly contributed to Verstappen’s drivers’ championship victory but also exemplified Checo’s role in the team: sacrificing for the collective benefit while maintaining personal competitiveness.
Antonio went further, suggesting that had Sergio been given a car with the same technical consistency as the RB16B in subsequent seasons, he would have had the credentials to contend for a World Championship himself. While optimistic, this perspective reflects the Pérez family’s deep belief in their driver’s value.
“Checo was at Red Bull for four years, and in those four years the team always won. I hope they can do the same without him in the future,” Antonio stated during a local media interview. His remark carries weight considering that, during that period, the Constructors’ Championship slipped away twice: in 2021 to Mercedes and in 2024 to McLaren.
Throughout his comments, Antonio Pérez highlighted a key message: Sergio’s impact should not be measured solely by personal results, but by his essential role in consolidating Verstappen’s dominance and keeping Red Bull at the forefront of Formula 1. According to him, future Red Bull line-ups will need to prove capable of continuing the legacy established during Checo’s tenure.
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