The Red Flags Podcast This Week in F1: Checo Pérez Revenge Tour, 2026 Engine Drama, Max vs. George, Drivers Off-Track
Jan 12, 2026
The hosts dive into Checo Pérez's unfiltered media blitz following his departure from Red Bull. They dissect rumors about a 2026 engine loophole that could give Mercedes and Red Bull an early advantage. Enthusiastic discussions about a potential Max Verstappen vs. George Russell showdown heat things up, emphasizing the importance of villains in F1. On a lighter note, they explore Oscar Piastri's new life in Monaco and Pierre Gasly's stylish escapades in Milan, while craving more behind-the-scenes personal insights from drivers.
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Checo's Scorched-Earth Media Tour
- Sergio Pérez went on an aggressive media tour, airing grievances about his time at Red Bull in Spanish interviews.
- Brian and Matt compare it to an ex dumping dirt on an old partner and note the career risks of public attacks.
Don't Air Dirty Laundry Publicly
- Avoid publicly trashing former employers in professional settings; let others voice criticism instead.
- Matt advises that restraint looks classier and preserves future job prospects.
'Max Project' Narrative Explains Tensions
- Pérez claims Christian Horner framed Red Bull as a ‘Max project’ and implied the second car existed mainly to support Max.
- That narrative helps explain internal tensions and why some drivers felt limited.
