Sergio Perez has introduced he’s leaving Red Bull with quick impact following a disappointing 2024 season.
The 34-year-old was handed a two-year contract extension in early June, however his type was already beginning to decline at that time after a powerful begin to the season throughout which he scored 4 podiums – together with three runner-up leads to Red Bull one-twos – within the opening 5 rounds.
After ending fourth in Miami, Perez scored simply 49 factors within the remaining 18 race weekends to slide from second to eighth within the drivers’ championship. Although Red Bull’s competitiveness additionally dipped, Max Verstappen scored 301 factors and picked up 5 race wins throughout the identical span.
Perez ended the yr 285 factors behind teammate Verstappen, and the disparity between the 2 was one of many causes Red Bull completed third within the constructors’ championship behind McLaren and Ferrari.
It has now been confirmed that an settlement has been reached for Perez to go away the staff instantly. RACER understands that Liam Lawson will likely be his alternative in 2025.
“I’m extremely grateful for the previous 4 years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the chance to race with such an incredible staff,” Perez mentioned. “Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable expertise and I’ll at all times cherish the successes we achieved collectively.
“We broke data, reached outstanding milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of assembly so many unimaginable folks alongside the way in which. An enormous thanks to each particular person within the staff from the administration, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, advertising and marketing and communications, in addition to everybody at Milton Keynes, I want you all the very best for the longer term.
“It has additionally been an honor to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success. A particular thanks to the followers world wide, and particularly to the Mexican followers in your unwavering assist every single day. We’ll meet once more quickly. And keep in mind… Never surrender.”
With Lawson anticipated to be Perez’s alternative, RB is more likely to promote Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar right into a race seat following his second-place end within the Formula 2 championship this season.
As it stands Perez is not going to race in 2025, however he turns into one in all a variety of skilled drivers in the marketplace forward of Cadillac’s deliberate F1 entry in 2026. Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu additionally dropped off the grid this yr.
This story has been up to date to incorporate quotes from Perez.
