Pérez signs with Red Bull until 2026

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Sergio Pérez has secured his Formula One seat at Red Bull Racing.

Sergio Pérez has secured his Formula One future with an extension at Red Bull Racing, ensuring his place with the reigning world champions through to 2026. The announcement was made official on Tuesday, quelling speculation about his tenure with the team.

Red Bull had the option to select from an array of competitive drivers, including Ferrari's Carlos Sainz. However, they chose the reliability and consistency of Pérez for the next few years. This decision aims to maintain stability within the team during a period of internal turbulence.

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting a one-plus-one deal, the finalized agreement is a firm two-year contract. Pérez, a six-time race winner, has had fluctuating performance levels, but according to reports, he has always been the preferred choice for his teammate, Max Verstappen.

Pérez’s affable relationship with Verstappen and his overall popularity within Red Bull have played a significant role in securing his new deal. The extension comes at a crucial time when the team is dealing with internal issues, including Christian Horner's ongoing sexual misconduct investigation and the impending departure of design chief Adrian Newey.

Red Bull's decision to retain Pérez is also seen as a strategic move to quell rumors surrounding Verstappen’s future. Despite Verstappen's contract running through 2028, there have been lingering doubts about his commitment to Red Bull. Speculation linking him to Mercedes has reduced recently, but Verstappen has done little to dismiss such talks conclusively.

Pérez’s renewal with Red Bull is likely to accelerate decisions regarding other drivers on the market. Carlos Sainz, currently at Ferrari, has been holding off on making a commitment to either Williams or Audi—who will rebrand Sauber in 2026—until Red Bull confirmed their lineup.

Sources indicated that Williams has emerged as the leading choice for Sainz during the Monaco Grand Prix. While both Williams and Audi remain in play, there is skepticism within the paddock about Audi’s immediate competitiveness upon their entry into Formula One.

Audi has already secured Nico Hülkenberg from Haas on a two-year contract but is still in pursuit of a marquee name for its other seat. Esteban Ocon, having left Alpine at the end of 2024, is now a significant name swaying the remaining driver market. Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull, given his impressive form this year, is also highly sought after by teams such as Alpine and Audi.

Haas, on the other hand, is favoring Ocon and is likely to part ways with Kevin Magnussen next season. They are expected to bring in Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman to fill the other seat.

Sergio Pérez's contract extension with Red Bull sets the stage for several crucial moves in the F1 driver market. Red Bull's focus on stability amidst internal challenges could indeed fortify their position in the competitive landscape of Formula One.

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