Sergio Perez Decides To Leave Red Bull Racing After Four Challenging Seasons

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Christian Horner has confirmed that Sergio Perez chose to leave Red Bull after four years with the team. Despite a promising start in 2024, Perez struggled later, earning only nine points over the last eight races. Last week, it was decided his contract, initially set to end in 2026, would be terminated early. Liam Lawson will replace him next season.

Perez's Formula One career began in 2011 and spanned 14 seasons. Horner emphasised that it was Perez's decision to take a break. "Checo, he's been a fantastic member of this team," Horner stated. "It's been a tough year for him, but he's a great person and, of course, [he] played such a key role in the '21 drivers' championship, '22 and '23 constructors'. He was second in the drivers' world championship last year, he's won five Grands Prix in our cars."

Perez finished eighth in the 2024 championship standings, trailing teammate Max Verstappen by 285 points. Red Bull ended third in the constructors' championship behind McLaren and Ferrari. Horner believes the significant points gap between Perez and Verstappen affected Perez's confidence and contributed to Red Bull's overall performance.

"Of course, the car became more narrow in its performance window, and he struggled with that compared to Max," Horner explained. "But obviously [with] such an enormous gulf in points difference between the two drivers, he was struggling with that."

Horner dismissed rumours about Perez joining Red Bull's sister team RB. He stated that at this stage of Perez's career, such a move wasn't considered or discussed. "For him, it was nothing that we really ever discussed," Horner said.

The decision allows Perez time with his family and space to consider future plans. Red Bull acknowledges his contributions during his tenure with them.