Red Bull Parts Ways with Sergio Pérez After Challenging Season
Red Bull Racing has officially announced its decision to part ways with Sergio Pérez following a season filled with challenges in Formula One. Pérez, who joined the team in 2021, found himself under increasing scrutiny as the season unfolded, ultimately finishing a staggering 285 points behind his teammate, Max Verstappen. This performance contributed to Red Bull’s loss of the constructors’ championship title to McLaren.
Meanwhile, Verstappen celebrated his fourth consecutive drivers’ world title, while Pérez faced difficulties, finishing in eighth place overall. In a concerning trend, Pérez was unable to secure a top-five finish in his final 18 races for the team, underscoring the struggles he encountered throughout the season.
Reflecting on his time at Red Bull, Pérez expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “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.”
Looking ahead, it appears that New Zealander Liam Lawson is set to take Pérez’s place at Red Bull. The 22-year-old driver has already participated in 11 races for the team’s sister outfit, RB, making him a strong candidate for the role.
Team principal Christian Horner openly addressed Pérez’s underwhelming performance, acknowledging its effect on the team’s championship aspirations. He praised Pérez for his significant contributions in previous seasons, particularly in helping to secure constructors’ titles and providing crucial support to Verstappen during key moments on the track.
“Although Checo will not be racing for us next season, he will always hold a special place in our team’s history and in the hearts of our fans. Thank you, Checo,” Horner remarked in a statement, bidding a fond farewell to Pérez.
