Why Sergio Perez says the Ferrari SF-23 proved his Red Bull struggles weren't his fault

Sergio Perez drove the Ferrari SF-23 at Imola as part of his preparation for the new Formula 1 season with Cadillac, and one of his statements has surprised many fans. The Mexican driver, who will be a full-time Cadillac race driver from 2026, took part in a private test with a completely black Ferrari SF-23 at the Emilia-Romagna circuit. Weeks after that outing, Perez spoke openly about how comfortable he felt behind the wheel, offering revealing insights into his recent past and his years at Red Bull in Milton Keynes.

There were clearly many unresolved issues weighing on Sergio Perez. The 35-year-old from Guadalajara tested the Ferrari and then appeared to send a pointed message in the direction of Red Bull. After a 2024 season that fell well below expectations, Sergio Perez parted ways with the Anglo-Austrian team, though not without tension and internal friction. The Imola test, carried out in collaboration with Cadillac as the American manufacturer prepares to enter Formula 1, represented an important step in rebuilding his confidence ahead of a crucial new chapter in his career.

The upcoming season could represent a chance for redemption for both Cadillac drivers. On one side is Valtteri Bottas, who was left out of Audi’s long-term Formula 1 project and is now highly motivated to prove his value, experience, and technical feedback within the American team. On the other side is Sergio Perez, who arrives at Cadillac after being dropped by Red Bull, determined to show that his struggles were not down to a lack of ability, but rather to circumstances beyond his control.

“Horner told me very clearly that they would run two cars only because the regulations required it, but the entire project would be focused on Verstappen,” Sergio Perez recently revealed during an interview on the Cracks podcast. “Being his teammate is the worst job in Formula 1: if you are faster than him it’s a problem, if you are slower it’s a problem, there is always a problem!”

Those words offer a rare and candid look into the internal dynamics at Red Bull during Sergio Perez’s time alongside Max Verstappen. Despite the pressure and the constant comparisons, the Mexican driver insists that there is no personal resentment toward the three-time world champion, whom he still considers “a great person.” However, his experience driving the Ferrari SF-23 appears to have given him a new perspective on his own abilities.

Sergio Perez and his comments on the Ferrari SF-23

Sergio Perez explained that getting behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF-23 during the Cadillac test was a turning point. “I think I am a much more complete driver today,” he said. “I realized it when I drove the Ferrari in the test with Cadillac. I was honestly surprised, after three laps I was already setting good lap times. I understood that my problem was really the car.”

The Imola test allowed Sergio Perez to immediately feel confident, something he admitted had been missing in recent seasons. The balance, responsiveness, and overall behavior of the SF-23 helped him reconnect with sensations that he believed had been lost. For Sergio Perez, those few laps were enough to confirm that his speed and racecraft were still very much intact.

“I understood that I will be able to be competitive and that I didn’t simply stop being a good driver,” Sergio Perez continued. “But I will also be able to push the team in the right direction, I have learned many things over these years.”

As Cadillac builds toward its Formula 1 debut, Perez’s experience with top teams and high-pressure environments could prove invaluable. His comments about the Ferrari SF-23 underline not only his renewed confidence, but also his determination to play a leading role in shaping the future of the American project.