Sergio Perez’s Sponsor Sparks Speculation Ahead of Red Bull Departure
Read next: Formula 1 World Champions — A legacy of racing legends
Sergio Perez’s sponsor Telmex hints at his departure from Red Bull ahead of an official confirmation. Get the latest F1 2025 driver lineup updates.
Red Bull Racing is set to part ways with Sergio Perez after a turbulent F1 2024 season, with his primary sponsor Telmex posting what appeared to be a farewell message ahead of an official announcement.
Rumors of Perez’s exit had been circulating for weeks, and on December 18, his departure was confirmed. Rising star Liam Lawson is expected to replace the Mexican driver as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the F1 2025 season.
Telmex’s Cryptic Message Fuels Speculation
Perez’s longtime sponsor Escuderia Telmex took to social media, posting an image celebrating Red Bull’s achievements during his tenure. The caption, “Four historic years!” hinted at a farewell, adding fuel to speculation about his impending departure.
Telmex had been expected to end its partnership with Red Bull after the 2024 season regardless of Perez’s future. The team recently announced an expanded deal with rival telecommunications giant AT&T, making it unlikely for both brands to coexist within the same sponsorship portfolio.
Perez’s Struggles in F1 2024
Despite signing a two-year contract extension in June, Perez endured a challenging season, finishing 285 points behind teammate Verstappen and failing to secure a podium since April’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Before the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Perez maintained that he intended to fulfill his contract, but following the race, he admitted: “We are talking to try to see what’s best moving forward.”
Red Bull’s Next Steps: Lawson Set for Promotion
With Perez departing, Red Bull is expected to promote Liam Lawson to the senior team. The New Zealander, who impressed in limited outings across F1 2023 and 2024, is seen as a strong contender to partner Verstappen.
Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is reportedly lined up to take Lawson’s place at Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, for the 2025 campaign.
Telmex to Continue Supporting Perez
Despite Red Bull’s separation from Telmex, Carlos Slim, the billionaire behind the brand, has reaffirmed his commitment to backing Perez wherever he lands.
“The intention is to continue with Checo,” Slim told ESPN. “Wherever he is, we will be with him.”
Lawson Ready for the Challenge
In an exclusive interview, Lawson expressed his readiness to take on the challenge of racing alongside Verstappen.
“Going up against Max, you have to be realistic. He’s the fastest guy on the grid right now. But for me, the opportunity to learn from him is what excites me the most,” Lawson said.
With Perez’s departure confirmed and a new era set to begin at Red Bull, all eyes are now on the team’s official announcement regarding their final F1 2025 driver lineup.
Up Next
