Valtetteri Bottas publicly questioned Sergio Pérez over owning a private jet, calling it financially inefficient. While drivers like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen also fly private, Bottas insists renting simply makes more sense.
Sergio Pérez has been questioned by Valtteri Bottas about a decision in his personal life.
The Mexican's teammate explained why he considers owning a private jet to be “a waste of money.” Something that some drivers such as Checo, Fernando Alonso, and Max Verstappen have.
In words published by GPBlog, the former Mercedes driver said the following: "Quite a few drivers have planes, to be honest. We have ‘Checo’ Pérez, for sure. He has one. Fernando Alonso has one, Max, those (drivers) at least. I don't have a plane because financially it doesn't make sense.
It's more efficient to rent. With certain things, I don't like to waste money. It's a very simple reason," said Lewis Hamilton's former teammate.
In a sport where contracts reach into the tens of millions and global travel is relentless, personal logistics often become part of a driver’s competitive routine. Bottas’ remarks may reflect financial pragmatism rather than direct criticism, highlighting differing philosophies among elite athletes. For some, ownership offers convenience, privacy, and scheduling flexibility; for others, efficiency and cost-benefit logic prevail.
While the exchange is unlikely to affect on-track performance, it reveals how even lifestyle decisions can spark debate in Formula 1’s high-visibility environment. Ultimately, whether owning a jet is a matter of excess or efficiency depends on perspective. As the season unfolds, the real focus will remain where it always belongs: performance under the lights on Sunday.
READ MORE:
How much will Checo Pérez earn at Cadillac?
Sergio Pérez is back in Formula 1, and now information has emerged about the Mexican driver's salary at Cadillac. According to recent reports, the Jalisco-born driver will earn a significant amount with the American team: "PlanetF1.com has learned that Pérez has signed a multi-year contract with Cadillac.
"Furthermore, it is suggested that he has a base salary of close to $10 million, a contract that is reportedly equivalent to his previous contract with Red Bull. The driver will also reportedly receive bonuses for his results, such as championship positions, podium finishes, and victories, and his income will be increased by a percentage of official merchandise sales.
“This is a huge advantage for Pérez, who was reportedly responsible for more than 60% of Red Bull's online merchandise sales. Cadillac has been interested in signing Pérez based primarily on what he can offer as a driver, rather than the impressive list of sponsors he has boasted in the past,” they said.
Join The Conversation Roundtablesports is Free to join!
You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. Scroll up to the top of the page and click ‘Join'.
Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favourite teams and news!