Ahead of his highly anticipated return to Formula 1, driver Sergio Perez has dropped some explosive revelations about his turbulent time with the Red Bull Racing team. The Mexican star, who was released by Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season after a winless year, is now preparing for a fresh start with the Cadillac team in 2025.
The £6,000 Psychology Session Bill
In a candid conversation on the Cracks Podcast, Perez revisited a particularly challenging period after he first joined Red Bull in 2021. He disclosed that the team, growing impatient with his initial struggle to deliver expected results, suggested he see a psychologist. Perez, being open to any help, agreed.
The driver arranged a one-hour call with an English psychologist. However, the real shock came later when a bill arrived at the Red Bull factory addressed to him. The charge for that single consultation was a staggering £6,000. Without hesitation, Perez instructed the accounts department to forward the invoice to the team's influential mentor, Helmut Marko. "I said, 'Can you send it to Helmut? He's going to pay for it,'" Perez recalled.
"The Psychologist Cured Me": Perez on the Outcome
When Marko later inquired about the session, Perez's response was succinct and confident. He told Marko, "Perfect, with this session, we're already good." Reflecting on the incident, the 35-year-old driver humorously credited the expensive call for his subsequent turnaround. "The psychologist 'cured' me, the results started to come, so clearly that call worked," he stated. Perez went on to drive for Red Bull for three full seasons, achieving significant success including a second-place finish in the championship.
From Red Bull Exit to Cadillac Comeback
Sergio Perez's journey with Red Bull had notable highs and lows. He joined the team in 2021, replacing Alex Albon, and improved his championship standing each year—finishing fourth, then third, and then second. However, the 2024 season saw a dramatic dip in form, leading to his departure. After sitting out the 2025 season, Perez is now set to make his F1 comeback, partnering with Valtteri Bottas at the new Cadillac works team. His revelations shed light on the intense pressure and unconventional methods within top-tier F1 teams, framing a compelling narrative for his return to the grid.
