Sergio Perez returns to Formula 1 with the Cadillac team next season. The Mexican had to leave Red Bull Racing last year after finishing eighth in the championship while teammate Max Verstappen won the title. Ralf Schumacher defended the six-time Grand Prix winner in the latest episode of the Backstage Boxengasse podcast of Sky Sports DE.
Sergio Perez spent four season with Red Bull Racing, also finishing second in the standings in 2023. Despite being handed a new contract ahead of 2024 Canadian GP, the Mexican was let go at the end of the previous campaign.
Schumacher defends Perez after period next to Verstappen
Schumacher is positive about Perez. The former Formula 1 driver said: “Perez was not a world champion, but he was always close to Verstappen. He was a driver who was on the podium, he helped Max to the world championship, when he held back Lewis Hamilton,” he began.
The German continued: "Even when Verstappen wasn't there, he was close. And last year was really, really bad. And before that, you have to say, the gap got much, much bigger towards the end. Now you can say, yes, the others didn't fare much better. But I'm saying, it will be interesting to find out what level he's at."
In the meantime, Perez also talked about his departure from Red Bull Racing. The Mexican said that he drove with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He also talked about the difficulties he experienced in the car, due to the tricky driving style the RB20 demanded.
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