Now it’s official: Sergio Pérez will no longer compete for Red Bull Racing in the coming Formula 1 season. The racing team confirmed the separation in an official statement on Wednesday evening.
Sergio Pérez is leaving Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 after four seasons. The Mexican is quoted in an official statement as saying he is “incredibly grateful” for his time with the team from Milton Keynes.
“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I will always cherish the successes we have achieved together. We have broken records, achieved remarkable milestones and I have had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way ” said Pérez, who thanked the entire racing team and his fans worldwide.
Team boss Christian Horner thanked Pérez, whose contract originally ran until the end of 2026, for the work he had done. “From the moment he joined us in 2021, he proved to be an exceptional team player and helped us to two constructors’ titles and our first one-two in the drivers’ championship,” explained the 51-year-old.
Red Bull chooses Liam Lawson
Pérez had previously worked in Formula 1 for Sauber, McLaren, Force India and Racing Point. It was an open secret in the premier class of motorsport that the 34-year-old would not continue at Red Bull beyond the current season – “Checo’s” performance in 2024 was too weak. Pérez ended the season in eighth place of the drivers’ championship and collected 285 points less than teammate and world champion Max Verstappen.
Red Bull wants to announce promptly who will take over Pérez’s cockpit. According to information from RTL/ntv and sport.de Liam Lawson will sit next to Verstappen in the future. The 22-year-old New Zealander was most recently a regular driver for Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls. There he inherited Formula 1 veteran Daniel Ricciardo.