F1 News: Sergio Perez - "If You Are Not Mentally Strong, You Can’t Be At Red Bull"

Sergio Perez has spoken out on the pressure of being a Red Bull driver.

Sergio Perez has spoken out about the immense pressure you are under as a Red Bull driver, claiming that, "Few drivers on the current grid could beat Verstappen with the same car".

The Mexican driver's spot on the Austrian team has been highly-discussed so far this season as he has struggled to keep up with two-time champion and teammate Max Verstappen.

Perez, who is currently in contract until the end of 2024, has spoken about the pressure of driving with Red Bull to Mundo Deportivo. He explained:

“90% of the drivers would sink next to Verstappen. If you are not mentally strong, you can’t be at Red Bull. You should not underestimate the level of pressure you are under here.

“Red Bull is a team where if you have a bad session you have five drivers in your sights. It’s constant pressure from the press. In these three years I have never seen this in any other team before. With Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes, you name the team, all their drivers have had bad moments, but it’s OK. It’s not like Red Bull, you have a bad moment and you have to leave the team.

“I’m not saying none, but few drivers on the current grid could beat Verstappen with the same car.

The driver went on to hit back at his critics, saying:

“People sitting on sofas watching the race underestimate how sensitive drivers are to settings. There are cars that make it easier for you, there are moments in the season when you are more comfortable with the car and it starts to get out of hand, you have to compensate a lot for handling and it doesn’t come so naturally to you.

“And in the end you start to see very small differences that become very big. I am calm because I am giving the best of me. But, without a doubt, he judges himself very differently from the Red Bull drivers. Public opinion will always be there and it is normal. I focus on mine.”