Red Bull has parted ways with Sergio Perez ahead of the 2025 F1 season, bringing an end to the Mexican driver’s four-year tenure with the team. Perez faced difficulties keeping up with his world champion teammate Max Verstappen and competitors from McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari, ultimately finishing eighth in the drivers’ standings. This contributed to Red Bull slipping to third in the constructors’ championship, relinquishing their title to McLaren.
With no available seat on next season’s grid, Perez’s future remains uncertain, while New Zealander Liam Lawson is poised to be promoted from Red Bull’s sister team to partner Verstappen. Horner confirmed that the Mexican driver “will remain connected to the brand and team but will no longer be involved in driving duties moving forward.”
“After four successful seasons together, and following the conclusion of the longest Formula 1 season in history, Sergio Pérez and Oracle Red Bull Racing have reached an agreement to part ways in 2025,” the team wrote in its announcement.
Pérez conveyed deep appreciation for his time at Red Bull, highlighting the unforgettable moments they experienced together.”Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience, and I’ll always cherish the successes we accomplished together; we broke records, achieved remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way,” he remarked.
BREAKING: Sergio Perez and Red Bull agree to part ways#F1 pic.twitter.com/nDRpF3jKjC
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 18, 2024
During his time with Red Bull, Pérez claimed five of his six career Formula 1 victories and achieved three pole positions, cementing his reputation as a vital asset to the team. Renowned as the “Minister of Defense” for his tactical prowess in defending positions, he was instrumental in aiding Verstappen’s run to four consecutive championships.
Red Bull’s decision to part ways with Pérez follows a difficult 2024 season in which he struggled to match Verstappen’s pace. Although Pérez secured four podiums early in the campaign, his form deteriorated as the season advanced. The performance gap between the teammates was stark, with Verstappen amassing 437 points to claim the title, while Pérez ended the year in eighth place with 152 points.
Red Bull’s loss of the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren added pressure to find a more reliable driver for the future. While New Zealander Liam Lawson is widely speculated to be a frontrunner for the seat, the team has yet to confirm its 2025 driver lineup.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
