Sergio Pérez departs Red Bull; Lawson to step in
In a significant development for Formula 1, Sergio Pérez and Red Bull have mutually agreed to part ways, marking the end of the Mexican driver's tenure with the prominent racing team. Liam Lawson, currently a driver for Red Bull’s junior team, is anticipated to be named as Pérez's successor in the coming days.
Pérez's departure follows a tumultuous season in which his underwhelming performance played a part in Red Bull losing out on this year's constructors' championship. Talks concerning Pérez’s future with the team had been underway since the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Although Red Bull offered him a position as an ambassador, Pérez has decided to sever ties with the team entirely.
Reflecting on his time with Red Bull, Pérez expressed gratitude:
"I'm incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team. Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I'll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way. It has also been an honour to race alongside Max [Verstappen] as a teammate all these years and to share in our success."
Despite signing a two-year contract extension as recently as June, Pérez's struggle with form pushed Red Bull to explore other options. Pérez’s departure allows him to look for racing opportunities elsewhere, though it’s worth noting that all Formula 1 seats for 2025 are currently occupied, leaving his next move uncertain.
There is speculation surrounding the potential addition of a Cadillac team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026, an initiative backed by General Motors. Pérez, with his immense popularity in the North American market, could be a strong candidate for a seat with this prospective team.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloChristian Horner, Team Principal at Red Bull, acknowledged Pérez's contributions to the team:
"I would like to thank Checo [Perez] for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons. From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two constructors' titles and to our first one-two finish in the drivers' championship. His five wins, all on street circuits, were also a spectacular mark of his determination to always push to the limit. While Checo will not race for the team next season, he will always be an extremely popular team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo."
As the motorsport world awaits official confirmation of Liam Lawson's promotion, Red Bull Racing prepares to enter a new chapter, aiming to reclaim the constructors' title in the upcoming season.
