Red Bull announced Wednesday that the Mexican sub-press pilot Sergio Perez left Formula 1 outfit after four seasons with Liam Lawson, to become the new teammate of the world champion Max Verstappen. Perez, 34, joined Red Bull in 2021 and helped the team win two manufacturers’ titles and finished a two -time pilot ranking with four times world champion Verstappen in 2023. He won five Grands Prix on 90 departures to Red Bull, including a victory in Monaco GP and a double in Azerbaijan.
During the 2024 season, Perez and Red Bull signed a contract extension, equaling the pair until 2026.
However, the form of the native of Guadalajara has dropped radically after this agreement and he only resumed nine points from his last eight racing weekends.
This drop in form has led to rumors about its future in the team.
He arrived in the pilots ranking while Red Bull returned the title of their team to McLaren with third place.
“Unforgettable experience”
Perez was categorical during his difficult period that he would remain with the team for next season, but he will now separate from Red Bull with immediate effect.
“I am incredibly grateful for the last four years with Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to run with such an incredible team,” said Perez.
“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I will always cherish the successes we have made together.”
The veteran will not have a seat on the grid next season, but he remains to be seen if he will sign an agreement elsewhere for 2026.
“A special thank you to fans around the world, and especially to Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We will meet again soon. And we will remember … never give up,” added Perez.
Verstappen praised his former teammate on social networks.
“It was an absolute pleasure that led to your side,” wrote the Dutchman.
“We have had incredible moments together that I will always remember. Thank you, check!”
Red Bull said that “the advertisements concerning the full range of 2025 on the team will be made in due time”.
New Zealand Lawson, which currently leads to Red Bull Sister Team Racing Bulls, is considered the favorite to replace Perez.
The 22 -year -old has obtained three top 10 so far in his emerging F1 career.
Lawson’s RB comrade, Yuki Tsunoda, Japan, could also be online for a promotion to the senior team, after the 24-year-old participated in after-season tests in Abu Dhabi for Red Bull.
“I would like to thank Checo (Perez) for everything he has done for Red Bull Racing in the last four seasons,” said Red Bull team, Christian Horner, in a statement.
“From the moment he joined in 2021, he turned out to be an extraordinary team player, helping us with two manufacturers’ titles and our first 1-2 in the pilot championship.
“Although Checo does not run for the team next season, he will always be a member of the extremely popular team and a precious part of our history. Thank you, check.”
(This story has not been published by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from a unionized flow.)
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