Sergio Perez’s old team boss taught him cunning negotiating tactic he just used in Red Bull talks

Sergio Perez stuttered towards the end of his time at Red Bull and was outclassed by his teammate Max Verstappen.

After a promising start with four podiums in the opening five races, Perez lacked confidence this year as the car was difficult to drive.

His last trip to the rostrum came at the Chinese Grand Prix in April, before the downward spiral began as Formula 1 headed to Europe.

Liam Lawson agrees that the RB20 was tricky to manage, and he will have to adapt quickly as he partners with Verstappen next year.

Perez ended up eighth in the world championship standings, and McLaren and Ferrari, in particular, improved over the season to take points off the Red Bull driver.

The Mexican driver won’t be on the grid next season, but prior to negotiating his release, Perez learned some very important tricks from his old boss.

Sergio Perez learned from Otmar Szafnauer that it’s important to talk things through

Otmar Szafnauer was the team boss of the Racing Point team when Perez raced there, and they had a mixed time at the outfit.

The team was experiencing financial difficulties, but Racing Point helped Perez win his first race at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020.

READ MORE: Otmar Szafnauer pinpoints the moment he knew Alpine’s F1 team were ‘untrustworthy’

Towards the end of the following season, the Romanian’s time with the team now known as Aston Martin was coming to an end.

He had been linked to the Alpine team, and Szafnauer was careful in his interviews to avoid giving too much away.

Motorsport reported that he said at the time: “I have been with this team for 12 years, and I have no intention of leaving.”

Perez was able to learn from Szafnauer’s antics as he outlined the intention to stay with the team because the Mexican did have a contract for 2025. This was very important as he will remain within the Red Bull group.

He isn’t completely leaving the team, as Perez will drive some show cars at demonstrations next year, but it’s unlikely he will race for Red Bull again.

Sergio Perez may have an opportunity with Cadillac in 2026

Perez won’t be on the grid next year, but Cadillac joining the world championship in 2026 and creating an 11th team may provide an opportunity.

The Mexican has a lot of experience and money from Mexican sponsors, which may appeal to Cadillac as they begin their F1 journey.

Cadillac will likely want an American driver, but there are very few options, and Andretti’s Colton Herta still makes unforced errors in IndyCar.

Perez will need to keep his options open, as 2026 will see a significant rule change and a potential shake-up of the grid.