Sergio Perez Departs Red Bull

In an expected turn of events, Sergio Perez and Red Bull Racing have agreed to terminate their partnership with immediate effect. This decision comes after what was initially a promising tenure for the Mexican driver, who had signed a contract extension earlier this year to stay with the team until the end of 2026.

Perez’s 2023 season was his career-best, finishing second in the Drivers’ Championship behind teammate and champion Max Verstappen as the duo used the fastest cars to rewrite record books. However, his form took a dramatic dip in 2024, with Perez scoring just nine points across the final eight races of the season.

This decline saw him finish eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, while Red Bull slipped to third in the Constructors’ standings behind McLaren and Ferrari despite Verstappen winning his fourth title in a row.

The chasm in their performances showed up in the final points tally.

In his statement, Perez reflected on his time with the team:

Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience. We broke records, and achieved remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible people. A big thank you to every team member and especially to the fans for their unwavering support. Remember… never give up.

Perez also expressed admiration for his teammate Max Verstappen, praising their shared successes over the years.

While Red Bull has yet to finalize its 2025 driver lineup, speculation is rife about who will replace Perez. New Zealander Liam Lawson is considered the front-runner to step up despite his limited experience, while Yuki Tsunoda’s chances of promotion appear slim despite his post-season test with the team.