In a stunning revelation that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 world, Sergio Perez has made a bold statement ahead of the 2025 season, declaring, “I came back, and I came back to win.” The Red Bull driver’s comments have sparked a fresh wave of excitement and speculation among fans and pundits alike, as they anticipate what could be a make-or-break season for the Mexican racer.
For Perez, the 2025 season represents much more than just another year in F1. It’s an opportunity to not only prove himself on the global stage but to also validate his place within Red Bull Racing. With Max Verstappen firmly entrenched as the dominant figure within the team, Perez’s upcoming performances will be scrutinized more than ever before. However, his declaration of intent has made one thing clear: he is not content with being a supporting driver.
Sergio Perez has long been a solid performer for Red Bull, but the pressure to deliver race wins consistently has been mounting. While Verstappen has been the undisputed leader of the team, Perez has often struggled to match his teammate’s blistering pace, especially in terms of qualifying results and race strategies. Nonetheless, Perez’s resilience and ability to fight back have earned him a strong reputation, with the Mexican driver often displaying remarkable racecraft in difficult conditions.
The 2024 season, however, was particularly challenging for Perez. Despite securing a handful of podium finishes, Perez struggled to assert himself as a consistent contender for wins, and some key errors led to his standing as second fiddle to Verstappen. However, his decision to “come back to win” signals a renewed sense of purpose and self-belief as he prepares for 2025.
“I’ve learned a lot from the past few years, and I know what I need to do to take the next step,” Perez said during a recent interview. “Max has been outstanding, no doubt, but I’m not here just to finish in second. I came back, and I came back to win. I know the challenge is tough, but I’m ready for it.”
These words represent more than just confidence—they highlight a turning point in Perez’s career, as he looks to not only silence critics but to prove that he belongs at the very top of the F1 pyramid alongside Verstappen.
Being part of Red Bull Racing has its perks—access to top-tier machinery, a technically superior car, and the backing of one of the most powerful teams in F1. However, there’s a flip side: the immense pressure to perform. Red Bull’s dominance in recent seasons, coupled with Verstappen’s near-perfect run of victories, has made it difficult for any driver in the team to shine outside of Verstappen’s shadow.
Perez has long been regarded as a solid, reliable driver, often helping the team secure valuable points in the Constructors’ Championship. However, for a driver with ambitions of becoming world champion, this is not enough. The Mexican driver has expressed his frustration at being seen as a “supporting role” and is determined to show that he has the skills to challenge Verstappen for the top spot.
“Red Bull has been amazing to me, but I know what I’m capable of,” Perez stated confidently. “I’m not just here to help Max or get good results for the team. I’ve got what it takes to compete at the front, and I’m ready to fight for victories and championships.”
Perez’s words come at a time when Red Bull’s dominance is at a potential crossroads. While Verstappen continues to rewrite the record books, Perez will be hoping that the 2025 car can deliver the performance he needs to challenge for wins. The relationship between Perez and the team will also be tested—will Red Bull continue to back their second driver, or will they prioritize Verstappen’s title aspirations above all else?
For Perez, 2025 is not just about proving himself to Red Bull and the F1 world—it’s about securing his future in the sport. His current contract with Red Bull is set to expire after the 2024 season, and many are questioning whether the team will extend his deal or seek a new partner for Verstappen. With the likes of top-tier talents such as Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell constantly under discussion as potential candidates for a Red Bull seat, Perez knows that 2025 will be a make-or-break year for his career.
“I’ve been through a lot in my career, and I know how quickly things can change in F1,” Perez admitted. “Every race, every result counts. I need to be at my absolute best, and I believe I am. This is my time to show the world I can win, not just as a teammate, but as a champion in my own right.”
As Perez heads into the 2025 season with a renewed focus and determination, the eyes of the F1 world will be on him more than ever before. Can he rise to the challenge of competing against the unstoppable Verstappen? Will he finally secure that elusive world championship, or will he continue to play second fiddle?
The answers to these questions will shape Perez’s legacy in F1 and could determine the future of Red Bull Racing. The 2025 season promises to be a thrilling one, and with Perez declaring his intent to win, it’s clear that the battle for supremacy at Red Bull is far from over.
