Sergio Perez‘s exit from Red Bull Racing has been officially confirmed, marking the end of a four-year tenure as the team prepares to replace him for the 2025 F1 season.
The announcement, made on December 18, 2024, follows a tumultuous year for the Mexican driver, whose performance declined sharply compared to his teammate Max Verstappen who dominated the championship and secured his fourth consecutive world title.
Sergio Perez’s exit from Red Bull comes after a tumultuous 2024 season for Perez, who had been under contract until 2026. The mutual agreement to terminate the contract was finalized shortly after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where discussions about the team’s future direction took place.
The split was not entirely unexpected, given Perez’s declining performance throughout the season where he finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship with just 152 points. His inability to secure a podium finish since April and a mere 21 points across the last ten races prompted Red Bull to reconsider their driver lineup.
The disappointing performance was a stark contrast to his previous seasons, where he played a pivotal role in helping Red Bull clinch two Constructors’ Championships and achieve a historic 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ Championship in 2023.
Red Bull Racing confirmed Sergio Perez’s exit in a statement released on social media: “After four incredible seasons together, Oracle Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez have reached an agreement to part ways.”
Perez also expressed gratitude for his time with Red Bull and reflected on his journey with the team, highlighting key achievements such as multiple Grand Prix victories and significant contributions during what he described as the team’s most successful era in Formula 1.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing Team,” he said.
“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.
“A big thank you to every person in the Team from the management, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes, I wish you all the best for the future.
“It has also been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success. A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember…Never give up.”
Red Bull team members react on Sergio Perez’s exit
Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner acknowledged Perez’s contributions during his tenure. He described Perez as an “extraordinary team player” who significantly impacted the team’s success.
“I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons,” Horner said. “From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary Team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ championship.
“His five wins, all on street circuits, were also a spectacular mark of his determination to always push to the limit. While Checo will not race for the Team next season, he will always be an extremely popular Team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo.”
Max Verstappen also took a moment to acknowledge his former teammate on social media, sharing memories of their time together at Red Bull and expressing gratitude for their shared successes.
The camaraderie between the two drivers was evident throughout their time together, particularly during their joint achievements that helped elevate Red Bull’s status in the sport.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you,” Verstappen wrote on X. “We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo!”
The message was accompanied by three images. One shows the former teammates walking to driver introductions together, while the second shows Perez offering Verstappen a hug after a race. The final is an image of Verstappen and Perez celebrating a 1-2 finish with the whole Red Bull team.
While Sergio Perez’s exit has now been confirmed, it remains to be seen who will take over his seat alongside Verstappen. However, sources indicate that Liam Lawson is favored for promotion from Red Bull’s junior team while there is also speculation regarding Yuki Tsunoda as a potential candidate.
The decision is expected to be finalized soon as the Milton Keynes outfit looks to solidify its lineup ahead of the 2025 F1 season.
Sergio Perez’s exit from Red Bull raises questions about his future in Formula 1. At 34 years old, he faces uncertainty regarding his next steps and while he has expressed a desire for a “sabbatical” from racing for 2025 F1, there are concerns that this could signal an end to his career in Formula 1 altogether.
His departure comes at a time when several teams are actively seeking new talent and could potentially open doors for other opportunities within or outside of F1.
