It’s official: Sergio Pérez, after four seasons with Red Bull Racing, has decided to leave the team—and with it, Formula 1.
The announcement came as a surprise but was ultimately expected after a challenging 2024 season. Despite a contract running through 2026, behind-the-scenes discussions were necessary to finalize the split. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind this decision, the negotiations, and the future of the Mexican driver.
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Perez’ departure following a tough 2024 F1 season
The 2024 Formula 1 season was a real struggle for Sergio Pérez and Red Bull. Despite a promising start in 2021 and several victories along the way, the past two seasons (2023 and 2024) highlighted his difficulties in adapting to the F1 car, which cost Red Bull its Constructors’ Championship title. Dropping to eighth place in the drivers’ standings, Pérez was unable to deliver the level of performance Red Bull’s leadership expected from Max Verstappen’s teammate. Yet, the contract signed last June suggested a strong and extended collaboration until 2026. However, the reality of his performance, combined with pressure from the paddock and the media, accelerated the inevitable. In his farewell message shared on social media, Pérez sincerely thanked the team and his fans. On the other hand, Red Bull’s sporting director Christian Horner acknowledged Pérez’s significant contributions, particularly during the 2021 and 2022 championship-winning campaigns, while admitting that 2024 had been a challenging year for the Mexican driver.
BREAKING: Sergio Perez and Red Bull agree to part ways#F1 pic.twitter.com/nDRpF3jKjC
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 18, 2024
The details behind the negotiations
Breaking a Formula 1 contract is never without consequences, especially when millions of dollars and multi-year commitments are involved. Sergio Pérez, guided by his experienced manager Julian Jakobi, had to play a strategic game to secure a favorable agreement. Red Bull, fully aware of its contractual obligations, had no choice but to negotiate. Both sides showed patience and firmness, which helped avoid a legal dispute. Red Bull Racing needed Pérez to agree to leave willingly. Intense discussions took place after the season finale in Abu Dhabi just a few days ago, where the two parties finally reached an agreement. Christian Horner stated that the decision had been carefully considered, with Pérez opting to take a “sabbatical” to refocus and explore his future while remaining tied to Red Bull through unspecified projects.
What’s next for Pérez and Red Bull?
For Sergio Pérez, this departure marks a pause in his F1 driving career after 14 consecutive seasons. With six Grand Prix victories and 39 podiums to his name, the Mexican driver leaves behind a respectable record. At 34 years old, he still has opportunities outside of Formula 1, whether in other motorsport categories or as a brand ambassador. The question remains whether he will consider a return in the future, as other drivers have done before him. As for Red Bull, the vacant seat alongside Verstappen has sparked speculation. Liam Lawson, a promising driver and stand-in during the 2024 season, appears to be the favorite for the role. His promotion could open the door for young talents like Isack Hadjar in FIA F2, reinforcing Red Bull’s strategy of focusing on its junior driver academy. With competition from teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, the 2025 season already promises to be highly intriguing for Red Bull.
This article explores the official announcement of Sergio Pérez’s departure from Red Bull Racing, the reasons behind the decision, and the outlook for both the driver and the team. A chapter closes for Pérez, but the next one may still hold some surprises.
Image: © Getty Images – Red Bull Content pool
