Mechanic Speaks: Checo Was Verstappen’s Fastest Teammate. Cadillac Drops $150 Million

Formula 1 is a battlefield of rivalries: Senna vs. Prost, Hamilton vs. Schumacher, and now Verstappen vs. the world. But here’s a curveball no one expected—was Sergio “Checo” Pérez actually the fastest teammate Max Verstappen ever had? According to a former Red Bull mechanic, the answer is a jaw-dropping “Yes.”

This revelation, coming straight from the heart of the Milton Keynes-based team, has sent shockwaves through the F1 community. With claims backed by numbers, strategy insights, and insider knowledge, the statement challenges the conventional belief that Max has never faced a truly formidable teammate.

To put this into context, let’s look at Verstappen’s list of Red Bull teammates:

• Daniel Ricciardo (2016-2018) – Known for his racecraft and fearless overtakes.

• Pierre Gasly (2019) – Struggled under Red Bull’s high-pressure environment.

• Alex Albon (2019-2020) – Showed promise but never quite matched Verstappen.

• Sergio Pérez (2021-present) – A veteran with a reputation for tire management and consistency.

According to the ex-mechanic, Checo has been the closest to Verstappen in terms of pure race pace.

“If you analyze the average lap-time gaps in race conditions, Checo has been closer to Max than Gasly, Albon, and in some cases, even Ricciardo,” the mechanic claimed.

This statement challenges the long-held belief that Ricciardo was Verstappen’s toughest teammate. Could Pérez, often labeled a “support driver,” actually be Verstappen’s biggest challenge yet?

It’s no secret that Verstappen dominates qualifying sessions, often outpacing Pérez by significant margins. However, race pace is an entirely different story, and Checo has proven to be a force when it matters most.

Here’s what the numbers suggest:

• 2021 Season: Pérez played a pivotal role in Verstappen’s championship victory by holding off Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi, a moment immortalized in F1 history.

• 2022 Season: Despite some struggles, Pérez secured two victories and several podium finishes, proving crucial in Red Bull’s dominance.

• 2023 Season: Checo won two of the first four races, momentarily challenging Verstappen for the championship lead.

While Verstappen maintains a stronghold over qualifying, Pérez’s ability to maintain competitive race pace and execute strategic defensive drives adds credibility to the ex-mechanic’s claim.

As the debate over Pérez rages on, another seismic shift is happening in Formula 1. General Motors and Cadillac are making a bold move, reportedly injecting $150 million into Andretti Global’s F1 entry bid for 2026.

Why is this such a big deal? Because despite the FIA granting Andretti approval, Formula 1’s existing teams have been reluctant to welcome an 11th competitor. Their primary concern? Splitting the revenue pie.

But with GM and Cadillac throwing down serious financial backing, the resistance from F1 teams may start to crumble. If an automotive giant like GM wants in, can Formula 1 really afford to shut the door?

Now, let’s consider a scenario that would send shockwaves through the grid. If Cadillac and Andretti secure their entry, could Sergio Pérez become their marquee driver?

Here’s why it makes sense:

• Pérez is the most successful Mexican driver in F1 history.

• GM has a massive presence in the Latin American market.

• Pérez’s Red Bull future beyond 2025 remains uncertain.

A partnership between Cadillac and Checo could be a marketing masterstroke, drawing in North American and Latin American audiences while giving the new team an experienced and highly marketable driver.

Could we see “Team Checo” take the grid in 2026? While speculative, the possibility is tantalizing.

Whether or not Pérez was truly Verstappen’s toughest teammate remains a hot topic. But when a former Red Bull mechanic speaks, it’s worth listening.

Meanwhile, Cadillac’s aggressive push for F1 entry signals a potential shift in the sport’s power dynamics. If they succeed, it could mean more opportunities for drivers like Pérez who may soon be seeking new challenges.

Formula 1 thrives on unpredictability, and with these two stories unfolding, one thing is clear—the drama is far from over.