Sergio Perez has to leave Red Bull and thus also Formula 1 despite a contract valid until 2026. The Mexican will at least receive a severance payment for this. Both sides can be satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations, says Red Bull Motorsport Director Dr. Helmut Marko in an exclusive interview.
Sergio Perez will be compensated for the Formula 1 exit with what Red Bull believes is an appropriate severance payment. “A mutually acceptable result was found within the framework of the contracts,” said Dr. Helmut Marko in conversation with reporter Felix Görner from RTL/ntv and sport.de.
When asked whether the 34-year-old received a sum of millions as a result, the Austrian replied meaningfully: “We are in Formula 1, yes.” Media reports recently said that the Mexican will receive up to 15 million euros, although his contract actually ran until 2026.
At the same time, Marko revealed that Perez did not initially see the impending exit from the top team coming.
Marko: Perez still hopes for Formula 1
“He always hoped that he would find his way back to his old form.” As a six-time Grand Prix winner and runner-up world champion, he also had what it took. “But unfortunately that didn’t happen. And then he saw that resurrection was not possible for him in this environment and that a separation was the best thing.”
Marko was convinced that there would be “many opportunities” for Perez to pursue a career in motorsport in the future – just not in the premier class. “I think he still hopes for Formula 1, but all seats are taken for next year.” Maybe an opportunity will arise after a year’s break. “Something new can always arise,” said the Red Bull Motorsport boss.
Sergio Perez came to Red Bull in 2021, having previously worked in Formula 1 for Sauber, McLaren and Force India/Racing Point.