Sergio Perez has revealed a surprising story from his early days at Red Bull, one that ended with Helmut Marko footing a £6,000 bill for a single therapy session.
The Mexican driver shared how a recommendation to see a psychologist quickly turned into one of the most expensive phone calls of his Formula 1 career.
Perez, who was released by Red Bull in 2024 after three seasons with the team, opened up about the unusual incident during a recent interview.
The story offers a lighter look into the intense pressure and expectations that came with racing under one of Formula 1’s most demanding setups.
Sergio Perez reveals how Red Bull sent him to a psychologist
Speaking on CRACKS Podcast, Perez said, “As soon as I arrived at Red Bull, in the first few races when the results weren’t coming, they told me: ‘What you need is a psychologist. You have to see a psychologist.’ I was completely open to it, so I agreed.”
He added: “I spoke to the psychologist and said, ‘Look, I don’t really have time for a full session today, but let’s talk, let’s find an hour.’ He was English. Everything was set.
“One day I turned up at the Red Bull factory, and they told me, ‘There’s a bill for you.’ It was £6,000, from the psychologist. I said, ‘Can you send it to Helmut? He’s going to pay for it.’”
The story, told with Perez’s trademark humor, sheds light on the kind of mental pressure drivers face when joining a team like Red Bull. Expectations for immediate results are high, and Perez’s admission shows that even experienced drivers can find the adjustment difficult at first.
Helmut Marko’s reputation for being direct and demanding is well known within Formula 1. Perez’s anecdote adds a more human side to their relationship.
Sergio Perez says £6,000 call turned his Red Bull form around
Perez went on to explain that the call, though brief, seemed to have a lasting impact on his mindset.
He continued: “It was £6,000 for a single call. Later, Helmut asked me, ‘So, how did it go?’ I told him, ‘Perfect, with this session, we’re already good.’ And that was it. We lasted three years.
“The psychologist ‘cured’ me, the results started to come… so clearly, that call worked.”
The Mexican driver found his rhythm shortly after, taking race wins and becoming a key part of Red Bull’s dominance in both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. While he ultimately left the team in 2024, his time with Red Bull included several defining moments that showcased his consistency and skill.
For Perez, the experience with the psychologist became an amusing yet symbolic story of resilience and turnaround.
Though his partnership with Red Bull has ended, Perez’s story serves as a reminder that even in a world driven by engineering and data, the human side of the sport often makes the biggest difference.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
