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Sergio Pérez Opens Up About Mental Struggles at Red Bull

The Formula 1 driver revealed he sought professional psychological help following relentless pressure alongside teammate Max Verstappen.

By Lesley Bakker - 2026-07-15T21:53:28.000Z - 1 min read

Photo: Alberto-g-rovi / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0

Sergio Pérez, who made his Formula 1 return in 2026 driving for Cadillac, recently opened up about the complex dynamics inside his former team, Red Bull Racing. He described the immense mental pressure that came with being Max Verstappen's teammate.

The Mexican driver indicated that the on-track challenges, lingering in the shadow of Verstappen's exceptional performances, took a deep toll on his personal well-being. The struggle to deliver consistent results at the absolute highest level gradually became a mentally demanding ordeal.

Remarkably, this did not go unnoticed within the team. Pérez recounted how Red Bull repeatedly suggested that his erratic performances and struggles on track might have psychological roots. These continuous hints from the team added yet another layer of pressure.

Ultimately, Pérez decided to take action. To manage these challenges and bolster his mental resilience, he enlisted professional psychological support—a move that sheds light on the overwhelming pressure even experienced Formula 1 drivers can face.

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