Red Bull have sacked Sergio Perez following a disappointing 2024 F1 season.
Perez initially signed a new two-year contract for 2025 & 26 seasons back in June but finished the season in eighth with 152 points and specifically 285 points off teammate, Max Verstappen who won his fourth consecutive title.
The Mexican’s lacklustre results also cost Red Bull the constructors title, as the Milton-Keynes based constructor finished third behind Ferrari and eventual champions – McLaren.
Red Bull consequently decided to terminate Perez’s contract which has brought a 14-season F1 career to a close, with the 34-year old having claimed six wins and 33 further podium finishes plus three pole positions.
Unlike recent driver exits at Red Bull and their junior team – RB, Perez was allowed to issue a farewell address, in which he spoke of feeling “incredibly grateful” to drive for “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.
“A big thank you to every person in the Team from the management, engineers and mechanics, catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes,
I wish you all the best for the future.”
Perez also paid tribute to Max Verstappen for being his teammate and to fans for their support.
“It has also been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success.
“A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember…Never give up.”
Verstappen in-turn described his time alongside Perez as “an absolute pleasure” in a post on X.
It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you 🙏 We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo! pic.twitter.com/iaUMunXZb3
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) December 18, 2024
The announcement also came exactly four years to the very day that he joined Red Bull at the end of the 2020 season.
Team Principal, Christian Horner added: “I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons.
“From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary Team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ championship.
“His five wins, all on street circuits, were also a spectacular mark of his determination to always push to the limit.
“While Checo will not race for the Team next season, he will always be an extremely popular Team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo.”
Liam Lawson is favourite to replace Perez at Red Bull, with his RB seat in-turn given to 2024 F2 vice-champion, Isack Hadjar.
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