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After months of speculation, Red Bull Racing and Sergio 'Checo' Pérezhave officially decided to part ways, concluding a notable four-year collaboration. Despite having a contract that extended through 2025 with an option for 2026, the team confirmed that Pérez will not continue beyond the season. This decision marks a significant transition for both the driver and the team, as they reflect on a partnership filled with achievements and challenges.
"After four successful seasons together, and following the conclusion of the longest Formula 1 season in history, Sergio Pérez and Oracle Red Bull Racing have reached an agreement to part ways in 2025," the team stated in its announcement. Pérez expressed heartfelt gratitude for his time with Red Bull, emphasizing the memorable experiences they shared.
"Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience, and I'll always cherish the successes we accomplished together; we broke records, achieved remarkable milestones, and I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way," he remarked.
Pérez bids farewell to Red Bull
Throughout his tenure, Pérez secured five of his six career wins in Formula 1 and earned three pole positions, solidifying his status as a key contributor to the team's success. His ability to strategically defend positions on the track earned him the nickname "Minister of Defense," and he played a crucial role in ing Verstappen's four consecutive titles.
As he bids farewell, Pérez thanked the entire Red Bull team, stating, "A big thank you to everyone in the team, from management to engineers and mechanics. It's been an honor to race alongside Max all these years and share in our success. We'll meet again soon, and : Never give up!"
The decision to part ways comes after a challenging 2024 season for Pérez, who struggled to maintain a competitive edge alongside Verstappen. Despite achieving four podium finishes early in the year, his performance declined significantly as the season progressed. The widening gap in points between the two drivers became evident, with Verstappen clinching the championship with 437 points while Pérez finished eighth with 152 points.
Additionally, Red Bull lost the Constructors' Championship to McLaren, which further influenced the team's decision to seek a more consistent driver for the future. Speculation now surrounds New Zealander Liam Lawson as a potential replacement, although Red Bull has yet to finalize its lineup for the 2025 season.