Sergio Perez and Red Bull have reached an agreement to part ways and the Mexican will not drive for the team in the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.
Perez entered last weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with speculation mounting over his future amid growing rumours that Red Bull was leaning towards dropping him.
The Mexican endured a tumultuous 2024 as troubles with Red Bull’s RB20 saw him end the season languishing a vast 275 points behind team-mate Max Verstappen.
But while he was adamant in the build-up to the season finale that he would retain his drive, Perez conceded post-race that his position would be discussed this week.
On Wednesday, the Mexican driver announced his Red Bull departure on X, shortly followed by an announcement from the team itself.
“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,” said Perez.
“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.
“A big thank you to every person in the Team from the 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 has 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.”
Red Bull thank Perez for his service to the team
Red Bull Team Principal thanked Perez for his commitment to the team in Wednesday’s statement.
“I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons,” Horner said.
“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 1-2 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.”
Perez lasted four seasons at Red Bull, during which time he took five victories, three pole positions, 29 podiums and contributed to two Constructors’ Championships.
Sadly, his tumultuous form not only caused Red Bull to slip to third in the Constructors’ standings, but it also has cost the Mexican his race seat.
Red Bull ended its statement on Perez’s dismissal with: “Further announcements regarding the team’s full 2025 line-up will be made in due course.”
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