Sergio Pérez has shared his experience regarding the psychological pressure of being the teammate of the current Formula 1 champion, Max Verstappen, at the Red Bull team. After four tumultuous years with the Milton Keynes team, the Mexican driver revealed that he sought the help of a psychologist due to the difficulties he faced during his stay.
In a recent interview on the podcast High Performance, Pérez explained how the constant challenge of competing alongside a driver of Verstappen’s caliber, who has won multiple championships, has affected his mental health. ‘It’s very hard. The only reason I survived for so long was because of the character I’ve built,’ he commented.
Pérez admitted that the dynamics at Red Bull, mainly focused on Verstappen, created a difficult environment for him. ‘Accepting the position you occupy is fundamental, and you mustn’t overload the system, as it can break you,’ he added, referring to the lack of support he felt during tough times.
When asked if he felt supported by the team, Pérez stated: ‘I felt supported to a certain extent. If I won a race, the team was happy, but they knew the project revolved around Max.’ This transparency in expectations made the Mexican accept his role in the number two seat at Red Bull.
After being encouraged by his team to seek psychological help, Pérez decided to see a professional. ‘I think showing that I was willing to do anything to overcome these issues demonstrated my attitude towards the team,’ he concluded. This decision reflects the importance of mental health in the world of high-level competitions, where pressures are constant.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI