Sergio Perez has officially announced that he will leave Red Bull Racing at the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season. This long-anticipated decision follows a challenging year for the Mexican driver, whose performance fell short of expectations, contributing to Red Bull’s inability to defend their Constructors’ Championship title.
Perez’s Struggles in 2024
Since joining Red Bull in 2021, Perez had been a valuable asset, especially during his debut season when he played the role of a “perfect wingman.” However, replicating that early form has proven difficult. In 2023, despite having the all-conquering RB19, Perez finished a staggering 290 points behind teammate Max Verstappen.
The 2024 season was no different, with Perez starting strong but fading quickly. His last podium finish came at the Chinese Grand Prix in April, and he ultimately finished eighth in the Drivers’ standings with only 152 points. This marked a dramatic decline from his earlier years, and Red Bull fell to third in the Constructors’ Championship behind McLaren and Ferrari.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner admitted that the pressure on Perez was immense, stating that while Perez delivered some memorable moments, his struggles over the past two seasons were difficult for both the driver and the team.
Sergio Perez’s Farewell
In his departure announcement, Perez reflected on his time at Red Bull with gratitude:
“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.”
He expressed special thanks to the team and fans, particularly those from Mexico:
“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.”
Perez’s contributions to Red Bull include five Grand Prix wins, all on street circuits, and helping secure two Constructors’ titles.
Red Bull’s New Direction
Red Bull has not yet finalized its 2025 driver lineup, but Liam Lawson is widely expected to replace Perez. The 22-year-old New Zealander has shown promise during his brief stint in Formula 1, completing 11 Grands Prix. However, Lawson faces the significant challenge of stepping into a seat alongside Max Verstappen, one of the most dominant drivers in F1 history.
Christian Horner praised Perez’s legacy within the team and hinted at Lawson’s promotion:
“Checo proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles and achieving our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ Championship. While he won’t race for us next season, Checo will always be a treasured part of our history.”
Horner also acknowledged the difficulties Red Bull faced in finding a strong secondary driver to complement Verstappen. Perez’s departure reflects Red Bull’s ongoing challenge of balancing its roster, particularly given Verstappen’s exceptional skill.
Financial and Strategic Implications
Perez’s departure poses significant financial and strategic challenges for Red Bull. The team had renewed Perez’s contract in June 2023, extending it through 2026 in a bid to stabilize his performance. However, that decision has backfired, leading to an expensive early exit.
In addition, Perez brought valuable sponsorship deals from Mexico, which will now leave a gap in Red Bull’s budget. Finding a driver who can deliver on-track performance while also contributing to the team’s commercial success will be critical for Red Bull’s future.
Liam Lawson: Red Bull’s Next Hope
Liam Lawson is expected to take on one of the toughest roles in Formula 1 as Verstappen’s teammate. Despite his limited experience, the young driver has shown confidence in his ability to learn from Verstappen while managing expectations:
“For me, it’s more the opportunity to learn from the best. Max is the fastest guy on the grid, and the chance to race alongside him is exciting.”
Lawson’s potential promotion signals Red Bull’s focus on developing young talent, a strategy that aligns with their long-term goals. However, the team faces a difficult road ahead as they work to regain dominance in the Constructors’ standings.
What’s Next for Sergio Perez?
While Perez has not revealed his plans for 2025, his departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his career. Fans will undoubtedly watch closely to see where the Mexican driver lands next, as he remains one of the most experienced and respected figures on the grid.
As Red Bull moves forward with Lawson and Verstappen, the team will need to address the challenges of maintaining their competitive edge while fostering the development of their new lineup.
