Red Bull has made the decision to part ways with Sergio Pérez after a disappointing season in Formula One. Pérez, who joined the team in 2021, faced mounting pressure as the season progressed, ultimately finishing 285 points behind his teammate Max Verstappen. This led to Red Bull losing their constructors’ championship title to McLaren.
On the other hand, Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive drivers’ world title while Pérez struggled to make an impact, finishing eighth in the standings. In his last 18 races for the team, Pérez failed to secure a top-five finish, highlighting his challenging season.
Expressing his gratitude for his time at Red Bull, Pérez said, “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. 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.”
Reports suggest that New Zealander Liam Lawson is poised to replace Pérez at Red Bull, with the 22-year-old having already competed in 11 races for the team’s sister outfit, RB.
Christian Horner, the team principal, did not shy away from acknowledging Pérez’s underperformance, which ultimately impacted their title hopes. Horner praised Pérez for his contributions to the team’s success in previous seasons, highlighting his role in securing constructors’ titles and supporting Verstappen during crucial moments on track.
“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,” said Horner in a statement bidding farewell to Pérez.
