Sergio Perez's long association with Red Bull Racing has officially come to an end after four tumultuous seasons. The Mexican driver experienced numerous ups and downs during his time with the team, but his final year deteriorated significantly, prompting Red Bull to part ways with him. The decision follows Perez's dismal performance during the 2024 Formula 1 season, where he finished eighth overall—a stark departure from the promise he showed earlier.
Perez's time with Red Bull started strong; he joined the team back in 2021, contributing to two Constructors' Championships and becoming the first Mexican driver to win Grand Prix races since 1970. Despite these achievements, the 34-year-old struggled to keep pace with his teammate, four-time champion Max Verstappen. By the end of the 2024 season, Perez finished 285 points behind Verstappen. His performance earned him only 152 points, compared to Verstappen's staggering 437.
Team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding Perez's departure, stating, "Checo has been a fantastic member of this team... it’s been a tough year for him, but he’s a great person and played a key role in our successes." Meanwhile, Perez, reflecting on his time at Red Bull, expressed gratitude, saying, "I'm incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing... we broke records and reached remarkable milestones."
The decision to let Perez go wasn't spontaneous; it had been brewing for much of the 2024 season. The final straw seemed to be his inability to score well during the last half of the year, where he failed to finish among the top five in his last 18 races. His performances weighed heavily on Red Bull’s chances of defending their Constructors' title, which they eventually lost to McLaren.
The announcement of Perez's departure was not totally unexpected, considering his previous form. He had won five races during his tenure but had not crossed the finish line first since April 2023. This inconsistency raised concerns within the team about his capacity to contribute effectively going forward—with Red Bull now focusing its efforts on securing another title with Verstappen leading the charge.
Looking toward the future, Red Bull is set to name Liam Lawson, currently part of their junior team, as Perez's replacement. Lawson, who made his debut earlier this season as a substitute for the injured Daniel Ricciardo, has been making waves after impressing team officials. His promotion has been widely speculated but is expected to become official soon.
Lawson’s relationship with Perez isn’t without its tensions, as the two had previously clashed on the track during the Mexican Grand Prix, which added fuel to the narrative of Perez’s departure. After making his move past Perez, Lawson's gesture—showing Perez the finger—led to friction between the drivers. This incident highlighted the growing rivalry and set the stage for what was to come.
Perez himself commented on Lawson's attitude at the time, stating, "I don’t have any relationship with him... he needs to be a bit more humble." Despite this, team decisions are often based on data and performance, and Lawson managed to score points compared to Perez's lackluster showing.
So, what now for Perez? After being axed by Red Bull, it leaves him without any available race seats for the 2025 season. There is speculation about his potential future—particularly with Cadillac entering the Formula 1 grid by 2026. Given Perez's popularity, especially within North America, he could emerge as a strong candidate for their lineup. Until then, he remains unsure of his next steps, having opted not to accept any ambassadorial roles offered by Red Bull.
Ending on what could be one of the most bittersweet notes, Perez thanked Red Bull staff, management, and his fans for their unwavering support, stating, "We’ll meet again soon, and I want to remind everyone to never give up!" His closure echoes the sentiments shared by many fans who appreciated his contributions, even as his time with Red Bull has come to an end. Red Bull is expected to confirm Lawson as the official replacement shortly, allowing the team to focus on the upcoming season with renewed energy and strategy.
