Sergio Perez's time at Red Bull Racing has come to an end after the team and driver mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect. This marks a significant moment in Perez’s career, as he departs just months after signing a contract extension in June to stay with the team until at least 2026.
Perez’s recent form has been a point of concern for Red Bull. Despite signing a new deal, Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, admitted that the extension “didn’t work” as expected. Perez's struggles worsened in the latter part of the 2024 season, scoring only nine points in the last eight races. His last podium finish came at the fifth race of the season in China.
As a result, Red Bull failed to defend their constructors' title, finishing in third place behind Ferrari. This drop in the standings not only cost the team valuable prize money but also affected the bonuses for team members, adding to the pressure within the team.
The Intense Pressure of Being Max Verstappen’s Teammate
Being Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull has proven to be one of the most challenging positions in Formula 1. As Verstappen continued his dominance, Perez faced immense mental and emotional pressure. The Mexican driver admitted that as the pressure mounted, he pushed harder to perform, but this only led to more mistakes.
Perez’s performance has never been able to match Verstappen’s, and by the end of 2024, he finished a distant eighth in the drivers’ standings, a staggering 285 points behind Verstappen, who claimed his fourth consecutive championship.
Red Bull’s Efforts to Support Perez
Despite the struggles, Red Bull tried everything to support Perez. The team made efforts to improve his comfort, including switching his race engineer, providing him with a new chassis, and experimenting with different setups. However, despite these efforts, Perez’s performance did not improve, and the team could not afford to wait any longer.
While Red Bull has often been quick to make tough decisions—such as the mid-season departure of Daniel Ricciardo—Perez’s case was different. The team showed considerable patience throughout the season, even offering Perez the chance to leave on his own terms. However, Perez remained determined to stay, believing he could still prove himself.
The Decision to Part Ways
Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull bosses met to discuss the future, and Perez’s continued struggles were at the top of their agenda. Ultimately, they decided it was time for Perez to move on, marking the end of his four-year stint with the team. The decision was not easy, especially considering Perez's contributions to Red Bull, including playing a vital role in Max Verstappen’s first world title in 2021 and helping the team win consecutive constructors’ championships in 2022 and 2023.
Looking Back at Perez’s F1 Career
Perez leaves Formula 1 with a strong career that spans 12 seasons. The 34-year-old has established himself as a consistent and skilled driver, particularly known for his ability to manage tires and perform well in the midfield. He also played a key role in the early years of what is now Aston Martin.
His best moment with Red Bull came in 2022 when he won the Monaco Grand Prix, a highlight in his career with the team.
What’s Next for Perez?
As Perez moves on from Red Bull, it remains uncertain whether he will return to Formula 1 in 2026, when two additional seats might become available due to the entry of Cadillac/GM into the sport. Perez now faces a crucial decision: whether to pursue a lower-tier team or close this chapter of his career entirely.
Liam Lawson: The Likely Successor
Liam Lawson is expected to replace Perez at Red Bull Racing, with F2 runner-up Isack Hadjar set to join Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), alongside Yuki Tsunoda. This move will bring fresh talent into Red Bull, as Lawson has proven himself capable during his brief stints with the team in 2023 and 2024.
Perez’s departure marks the end of a challenging chapter for both the driver and the team, while paving the way for new opportunities and a reshaped future for Red Bull Racing.
