Sergio Perez is convinced his latest contract extension with Red Bull will not be his last in Formula 1 as he targets ending his career in the sport with his current team.
Red Bull announced earlier this week that Perez has signed a two-year contract renewal to remain with the reigning champions through the regulation switch in 2026.
The Mexican’s prospects had been under the microscope in recent weeks amid a slump in competitiveness that has seen him deliver four points in the last two races.
However, Perez has divulged that talks with Red Bull over a new deal materialised without a hitch once both parties established an agreement was the ideal outcome.
“Well, I obviously feel happy once you get an agreement,” Perez said. “It obviously means that both parties are happy with what we got, and I’m happy to move forward.
“Obviously, we’ve got great targets ahead of us. Red Bull is a team that really takes everything out of you.
“It’s something that since I came here, the amount of how intense everything is, on track, off track, and it’s a challenge that you don’t have anywhere else.
“I haven’t had such a challenge in my career, so when I sign, I’m really up for it and willing to give my 100%. It was just a very straightforward negotiation.
“Obviously, I’ve been in the team for a few years already, so it’s always, I think, when you are already there, it’s a lot easier to reach an agreement.”
Perez has stated that extending his four-term stint with Red Bull was his sole aspiration, despite acknowledging that there were opportunities elsewhere on the grid.
“There were other options out there, but for me, my plan A, B and C was definitely to stay at Red Bull,” he said. “I really want to finish my career here, wherever that is.
“It’s a team that has given me so much into my career that I’m just really happy. I just want to give my best to this team, till my last lap.”
Although he will have turned 37 come the end of his latest deal, Perez suspects that he will prolong his involvement in the series into an additional contractual period.
Asked whether he looked at this contract as his last, Perez replied: “Well, certainly when you look at Fernando [Alonso] or even Lewis [Hamilton], there’s a long way to go.
“But I think I didn’t sign my last contract. I don’t think I’ve done that.
“I don’t think it’s something that you feel, because when you commit to two years in Formula 1, it’s a lot of time, a lot of energy, and it’s a long way down the line.
“So to be honest, I don’t really think about that. But what I’m pretty sure about is that I want to finish my career here.”
