Sergio Perez will stay with Red Bull for the next two seasons, putting an end to the speculation about his future with the team after a rocky end to 2023 and a mixed start in 2024.
Red Bull has decided to commit to Sergio Perez, confirming that the Mexican driver will continue racing for the team in the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This announcement follows a challenging period for Perez, who had a promising beginning to 2024 but has recently struggled to make it to the podium.
Perez contributed to three Red Bull one-two finishes early this season, trailing behind Max Verstappen in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. Despite not securing a podium finish in the last three races, Red Bull has assured Perez’s place in the team, bolstered by the considerable sponsorship he brings through his Mexican background.
In his statement, Perez expressed his excitement about the new deal, calling it a significant challenge and an honor to continue with Red Bull. He emphasized his commitment to delivering excellent results both on and off the track, aiming to contribute to the team’s illustrious history.
“I am really happy to commit my future to this great team. It is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track. I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this team’s great history for two more years,” Perez 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. I think we have a lot of work to do, we have a lot more Championships to win together.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team boss, also praised the decision, highlighting the importance of continuity and stability within the team. He pointed out the successful partnership between Perez and Verstappen and expressed confidence in Perez’s ability to regain his strong form.
“Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025, and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo,” Horner said. “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. The past few races have been tough, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance that we so often see.”
Perez, who began his F1 career with Sauber in 2011, joined Red Bull in 2021, taking over from Alex Albon. He quickly made a mark by securing his first victory for Red Bull in Baku within six races. Over the years, Perez played a critical role in Verstappen’s title wins and earned wins in Monaco, Singapore, Jeddah, and Baku.
The decision to retain Perez comes amid notable changes in the team, including the announcement that design guru Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull in early 2025 after a 19-year tenure. Despite these changes, Red Bull remains confident in their driver lineup as they aim to tackle a fiercely competitive Championship.
Perez’s continued presence at Red Bull provides a sense of stability and continuity as the team navigates the evolving F1 landscape. The extension of his contract signals Red Bull’s trust in his abilities and their commitment to maintaining a strong and experienced driver lineup.
Red Bull’s decision to extend Sergio Perez’s contract until 2026 underscores their confidence in his abilities despite recent challenges. With this stability, both Perez and the team are well-positioned to face the upcoming seasons.
Source: Planetf1
