F1 media "a lot harder" on a Red Bull driver - Perez

Sergio Perez has conceded to the pressure and media scrutiny being much tougher on a Red Bull driver compared to when he drove for other F1 teams.

Following a troubled start to the past year with the team due to Perez's difficulties in understanding a car that was alien to what he had been accustomed to, the Mexican went on to finish fourth in the drivers' standings.

Perez scored a race victory in Azerbaijan, albeit courtesy of a late blowout suffered by team-mate Max Verstappen, and four other podiums but finished 205.5 points adrift of the Dutch driver.

Conceding to his season being "extremely intense", Perez added: "A lot of work has been done behind the scenes, [there was] a lot of pressure.

"When you are at Red Bull Racing, the pressure is on and everyone is watching you, what you do. [The media] is a lot harder to a Red Bull driver, which is understandable.

"It hasn't been easy but it has brought me onto another level. Having Max as a team-mate, he really pushes you to new levels and makes you really happy.

"I am enjoying it a lot at this point of my career. I am really happy and that is most important."

Assessing what is required going forward into next season, Perez added: "I have been close on many occasions in many races.

"But when you are out of position, I think the main thing I lacked was consistency and being at 100 per cent with the car.

"I have to raise my game for next year and hopefully we are all able to go forwards."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

'I might get shot for saying this' - F1 champion HATES racing in 2026

• 10 minutes ago

Silverstone offers to host additional F1 race in 2026

• 1 hour ago

Adrian Newey 'magic' not enough to solve Aston Martin crisis

• 2 hours ago

'It's not about the regs': The real reason Max Verstappen would quit F1

• 3 hours ago

FIA close F1 engine loophole ahead of Miami GP

• Today 09:57

Miami GP F1 trial poses threat to Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari season

• Today 09:12