Oracle Red Bull Racing part ways with Sergio Pérez

Oracle Red Bull Racing have announced that Sergio Pérez will be leaving them ahead of next season, thus putting an end to all the rumours about the Mexican’s future.

The 34-year-old was handed a two-year contract extension in June 2024, but a drastic dip in form since then has led to the Austrian team deciding to not continue with him.

The decision marks an end for a rollercoaster four-season spell for Pérez with Red Bull, where he saw mixed results and could never fight at the front of the grid. Pérez is coming off a shocking 2024 season that saw Red Bull unable to defend their Constructors’ title. He finished eighth in the Drivers’ Standings, going winless throughout the year, which resulted in Red Bull finishing third in the Constructors’ and McLaren winning their first Constructors’ title in almost three decades, with Ferrari in second. 

Pérez made his Formula One debut with Sauber in 2011 before spending one season with McLaren in 2013. He had a long stint with Force India/Racing Point between 2014 and 2020, during which time he cemented his place as one of the best midfield drivers on the grid. His first career win came in 2020 as he won the Sakhir Grand Prix. Red Bull signed him ahead of the 2021 season and right away Pérez turned out to be the perfect teammate to Max Verstappen, helping the Dutchman win his first Drivers’ title. 

Pérez finished third in the Drivers’ Championship in 2022 and was runner-up to his teammate in 2023. In this period, he picked up five wins. However, his winless 2024 season forced the Red Bull management to take drastic action. 

For Pérez, this might be the end of his F1 career, as there is no seat on the grid left for him for the next season, and age isn’t on his side either. The only option for him would be to return to the grid in 2026 and take the Cadillac seat—that is, if the American team consider him as an option in the first place. 

Speaking about his departure from Red Bull Racing, Sergio Pérez commented:

“I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with 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 success we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.

“A big thank you to every person in the team from management, engineers and mechanics; catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes. I wish you all the best for the future. It’s also been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success. A special thank you to the fans around the world and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon. And remember…Never Give Up!“

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Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing, said:

“I would like to thank Checo 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.“