In a podcast, former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez highlighted Max Verstappen's exceptional abilities in team leadership and car development, while FIA steward Liuzzi admitted that the four-time champion makes their job harder due to his excellent knowledge of the rules.
Sergio Perez, who shared a garage with Max Verstappen at Red Bull for four seasons, has spoken about the qualities that make the Dutchman a dominant force in Formula 1. In the High Performance podcast, the Mexican driver revealed how working alongside the four-time world champion made him a better driver, emphasizing his leadership skills and precision in communicating with engineers.
Meanwhile, from within FIA circles, there's an admission that Verstappen's knowledge poses a challenge even for the stewards. FIA steward Liuzzi stated in January 2026 that the Dutchman makes their job harder precisely because of his deep understanding of the rules, as reported on Reddit.
Perez was Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull from 2021 to 2024. Although he didn't manage to win a title during that period, he took away valuable lessons from the experience. "Being alongside Max for four years was a special experience. He is the driving force of the team. Even though he has all the support a driver could wish for, Max is an exceptionally complete driver and a strong personality in every segment," Perez said for the High Performance podcast, as reported by Net.hr.
The Mexican particularly highlighted Verstappen's approach to work and leadership. "I learned from him how to lead a team. Max is a true leader who pushes everyone around him to be better. He knows exactly what he needs to be fast and very clearly identifies where the shortcomings are," he added, noting his incredible dedication.
According to Perez, Verstappen's greatest quality lies in his ability to steer car development in the right direction, a skill possessed by very few drivers. "He can very precisely explain where we lack performance and how to find a solution. That's something truly special and one of the most important things I learned from him," Perez concluded.
After leaving Red Bull at the end of 2024, Perez was replaced by Liam Lawson for the 2025 season. After a one-year break, the Mexican returned to Formula 1 by signing with the new team Cadillac, but he currently sits in 22nd place in the overall drivers' standings.
That Verstappen's dominance isn't limited to the track is confirmed by FIA steward Liuzzi's statement. As noted on Reddit, Liuzzi said in January 2026 that Verstappen makes their job harder due to his exceptional knowledge of the rules. That statement further paints a picture of a driver who excels in every aspect of the sport, from car control and technical development to understanding complex regulations.
