Sergio Pérez has revealed that Helmut Marko hired an expensive psychologist to guide him throughout his Red Bull career. The Mexican driver was brought to Milton Keynes in 2021 as the new teammate of Max Verstappen. Initially, results were lacking, but thanks to some pricey sessions with a psychologist, Pérez gained more confidence. According to the 35-year-old racer, these sessions cost a staggering £6,000 per hour.
Red Bull and Max Verstappen worked alongside Sergio Pérez for four years from 2021 to 2024. The seasoned race winner was brought in to replace a struggling Alex Albon. Although a series of disappointing results in 2024 ultimately led to a painful split, Pérez initially seemed like a fitting second driver for Red Bull. In 2021, after a few Grands Prix, the Mexican found his rhythm and helped his Dutch teammate secure his first world title. Pérez credits this success partly to the therapy he underwent on Helmut Marko’s advice.
Psychologist for Pérez
In the Spanish-language CRACKS podcast, Pérez explained how Marko arranged for an expensive psychologist. “When I first arrived at Red Bull and wasn’t getting results in the early races, I was told: ‘You need a psychologist. You have to see a psychologist,’” he shared. “I was open to anything, so I reached out to him. I said: ‘Hey, I’m Sergio Pérez, blah, blah, blah.’ I didn’t have time for a session at that moment, but we agreed to meet later.”
Pérez’s Shocking Therapy Bill: A Rollercoaster of Emotions!
“One day I walked into the Red Bull factory and they said, ‘Hey, here’s a bill for you,’” Pérez grinned as he recalled. “‘£6,000 for the psychologist. Can you please send that to Helmut (Marko, ed.)? He’ll pay it.’ It was six thousand pounds for one phone call,” the Mexican driver emphasized in disbelief. “Helmut later asked how it went. ‘Perfect, this session was great,’ I replied. And that’s how we managed for three years; healed by the psychologist. The results started to show, so that phone call really worked.”
But hold on! In 2024, Pérez found himself in another slump. He claimed the issues he faced with the car couldn’t be fixed with therapy. “I searched everywhere, but deep down I knew you can’t drive fast when you’re constantly wondering how the car will react,” he concluded. “You’re always preoccupied with the question of which corner you’re going to crash in.”
