Here’s a bold statement: being the second driver at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen might just be the toughest gig in Formula 1. But here’s where it gets controversial—Sergio Perez recently claimed it’s an impossible role, one that even legends like Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc couldn’t handle. Perez described it as a constant struggle to adapt to Max’s needs, a sentiment that’s sparked heated debates across the paddock. And this is the part most people miss: Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, isn’t having any of it. In a recent interview, Jos shut down the long-standing theory that Red Bull’s car is exclusively built around Max, calling it a myth perpetuated by those who don’t understand the team’s dynamics.
Max Verstappen has undeniably cemented his legacy as one of Formula 1’s all-time greats. With four consecutive World Championships and a streak of six podium finishes—three of them wins in Monza, Baku, and Austin—he’s not just winning races; he’s rewriting history. But here’s the kicker: his success has come at a cost, leaving a trail of teammates struggling to keep up. Perez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024, was one of them. Since then, neither Liam Lawson nor Yuki Tsunoda has managed to close the gap, and if anything, it’s only widened.
In an interview with Sky F1, Perez opened up about the challenges of being Max’s teammate. ‘Being next to Max in Red Bull is something people don’t understand,’ he said. ‘It’s a very difficult job for any driver. There’s no one—not even Hamilton or Leclerc—who could survive there. You’re constantly adapting to Max’s unique driving style. It’s as simple as that.’
Jos Verstappen, however, wasn’t convinced. In a candid interview with De Telegraaf, he admitted he’d feel the same way if he were in Perez’s shoes but dismissed the idea that the Red Bull car is tailored exclusively for Max. ‘Everyone close to the action knows this isn’t true,’ Jos stated. ‘Max has an unparalleled ability to adapt to the car, no matter how it behaves. Of course, he provides feedback, but that’s standard practice. To say it’s all about him is simply not accurate.’
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Jos highlighted Max’s unique talent for turning an inferior car into a winning machine, a skill he believes is unmatched in the sport. ‘The difference between Max and the second driver is enormous,’ Jos noted. ‘It was evident last year, and it’s even more pronounced now.’ Lawson failed to score a single point in his two races with Red Bull, while Tsunoda has managed just 25 points compared to Max’s staggering 321.
As the F1 world looks ahead to 2026, Racing Bull’s Isack Hadjar has emerged as a leading contender to step into the second Red Bull seat, potentially becoming the next driver to face the Verstappen challenge. But here’s the question that’s dividing fans: Is the second Red Bull seat truly cursed, or is it simply a testament to Max’s unparalleled skill? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think anyone can thrive alongside Max, or is it a role destined for frustration? And while you’re at it, don’t miss our deep dive into the mid-season changes that could have reshaped the 2025 title race, or Max’s advice that left Gabriel Bortoleto’s engineers in awe. The debate is far from over.
