Sergio Pérez’s departure from Red Bull marks a turning point in his F1 career.
Sergio “Checo” Pérez has parted company with Red Bull Racing following a difficult 2024 season, marking a huge development in the Formula One community. Despite a contract extension that was supposed to keep him with the team until 2026, all sides agreed to an early termination after a year in which Pérez finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship and failed to finish on the podium after May.
Pérez joined Red Bull in 2021, and he helped the team win the Constructors’ Championship in 2022 and 2023. However, the 2024 season brought significant obstacles, with Pérez scoring only 21 points in 10 races, falling short of expectations and contributing to Red Bull’s third-place finish in the Constructors’ standings.
These performance difficulties affected Red Bull’s decision to terminate Pérez’s contract, prompting the company to exercise a release clause. Team Principal Christian Horner recognized Pérez’s services, saying, “Checo has been a valuable member of our team, and we thank him for his efforts over the past four seasons.”
Looking ahead, Red Bull has stated that 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson will succeed Pérez in the 2025 season. Lawson, who has previously competed for AlphaTauri and served as a backup driver for Daniel Ricciardo, has showed promise and is anticipated to add new enthusiasm to the squad alongside Max Verstappen.
Pérez stays open to potential Formula One options. In a recent interview, he declared his desire to return to the grid in 2026, if the proper project presented itself.
This changeover represents the conclusion of an important chapter in Pérez’s career, one marked by perseverance and substantial accomplishments. As the Formula One landscape evolves, Pérez and Red Bull Racing look to the future, hoping to build on their respective legacies in the sport.