Sergio Perez has inked a fresh two-year contract with Red Bull, securing his spot on the team until the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The news means Perez will continue to be teammates with Max Verstappen for six consecutive seasons, even as F1 enters a new regulations cycle. The 34-year-old Mexican has made a solid start to the 2024 season, capturing three second-place finishes in the first four grands prix. This strong performance helped him secure his seat for 2025, despite a recent dip in form that had cast some doubts over his future with the team.
“Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025, and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo,” said team principal Christian Horner. “Continuity and stability are important for the team, and both Checo and Max are a successful and robust partnership, securing our first ever one-two finish for the team in the championship last year. Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan, and then his podium in China.”
Perez himself is thrilled to continue his run with Red Bull. “I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this team’s great history for two more years. Being part of the team is an immense challenge, and one I love,” he said. “I want to thank everyone for all the trust they are putting in me; it is a lot, and I want to pay it back with excellent results on track, and off track.”
This latest deal rules out the possibility of Carlos Sainz, who is departing Ferrari, taking a seat at Red Bull. Sainz now faces a choice between Audi and Williams. Additionally, Red Bull’s in-form driver Yuki Tsunoda will not be promoted to the main team, where he is expected to stay for another year.
Since joining Red Bull in 2021, Perez has bagged five of his six career grand prix wins with the team. While he initially aimed to challenge Verstappen for the world championship, this year he has been less focused on competing against his teammate. Currently, Perez is fifth in the drivers’ standings after eight races. Despite challenges from rivals Ferrari and McLaren, Red Bull’s decision to retain Perez appears geared towards maintaining team harmony.
“The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see,” Horner added.
Perez’s two-year extension with Red Bull illustrates the team’s commitment to stability and their confidence in his abilities. Fans will be watching closely to see how this decision impacts the ongoing battle for constructors’ titles amidst growing competition.
Source: Motorsport
