Pérez confident Tsunoda can handle the challenge of Verstappen at Red Bull

Dominika Jordan
Apr 1, 2025, 11:46 AM ET

Sergio Pérez has thrown his support behind Yuki Tsunoda's promotion to the second Red Bull seat, asserting that the Japanese driver possesses the mindset necessary to be Max Verstappen's teammate. After a challenging period that saw Pérez's form falter, ultimately contributing to Red Bull's loss of the constructors' title, the Mexican driver was replaced by Liam Lawson at the end of 2024. However, Lawson was swiftly reassigned to the junior team, Racing Bulls, after two tough races, paving the way for Tsunoda's elevation starting from the Japanese Grand Prix.

In an interview with Formula 1's official website, Pérez expressed his confidence in Tsunoda's capabilities: "Yuki has the talent, has the speed and, more than that, you need the mentality to cope with it. I think he has the right mentality and the right attitude to cope with it. I hope [the team] will succeed."

Reflecting on his own struggles at Red Bull, Pérez suggested that the challenges he faced are now being better understood. "Especially last year, I didn't get to show what I'm able to do as a driver," he said. "Now, all of a sudden, people realize how difficult the car is to drive. When I joined Red Bull, there had been great drivers who had struggled -- Alex [Albon], Pierre [Gasly], they are fantastic drivers and they struggled. I spent so long in Red Bull that everyone forgot how difficult the car is to drive, so that was tricky."

Pérez also hinted that a temporary break from the sport might not be detrimental to his career, especially with regulatory changes looming in 2026. "For me, it was very simple, the car is just quite difficult to get 100% out of it, to get the confidence out of it -- and the things I struggled with, even Adrian [Newey] talked about them," he explained.

Regarding his future, Pérez has remained discreet but revealed that multiple teams have shown interest. According to sources, Cadillac, set to join Formula 1 in 2026, is seriously considering the Mexican driver. Pérez emphasized that his next move will depend on finding a project that fully motivates him and values his extensive experience.

"If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it," he said. "That's why I've given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career. There are a few very interesting projects out there. I've been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has started so a few things will open up in the coming months."

Pérez concluded by stating that any return to Formula 1 would be contingent on finding a project that he can enjoy and be fully committed to. "What is very clear to me is that I'm only coming back if the project makes sense, and it's something I can enjoy. I've spent a long time in F1 already, I've done most of it. Once you step back, you realize how much you give up in life to be in the sport. So, to be in F1 fully committed, I need the motivation."

As the motorsport world watches closely, Yuki Tsunoda prepares to step into the spotlight alongside Max Verstappen, with Sergio Pérez's endorsement adding a layer of confidence to his new chapter at Red Bull.