Sergio Perez opens up about his unexpected departure from Red Bull, detailing the surprising timing of his exit.
- Perez signed a new contract in 2024, but his performance dipped, leading to discussions about his future as early as the Qatar Grand Prix.
- The decision for Perez to leave was made quickly, with the team opting to promote Liam Lawson in his place for the 2025 season.
- Perez reflects on the challenges of extracting performance from the Red Bull RB20, a factor in his exit.
- Despite his departure, Perez expresses support for Yuki Tsunoda, who is stepping into the Red Bull seat, and maintains his connection to the team.
Sergio Perez, the seasoned driver, recently shared insights into his departure from Red Bull Racing, which caught many by surprise. Reflecting on the quick change, Perez revealed that the clarity about his exit only came during the Qatar Grand Prix. This sudden shift led to a hasty negotiation process to finalize his departure from the team.
In 2024, Perez had renewed his contract with Red Bull, but as the season progressed, his performance waned. The team, looking to refresh their lineup, decided to give Liam Lawson a chance, marking a significant change in their strategy. The decision was made rapidly, leaving Perez with little time to adjust.
Perez explained that the Red Bull RB20 was a challenging car to master. According to him, it was tough to extract the car’s full potential, which contributed to his struggles on the track. Although this was noted by figures like Adrian Newey, it ultimately played a role in his exit.
Even after his departure, Perez holds no hard feelings towards Red Bull. He wishes for their continued success and supports Yuki Tsunoda, who is now taking over his former seat. Perez acknowledges Tsunoda’s talent and believes he has the right mindset to succeed in the competitive environment.
Currently, Perez is spending time with his family while considering his future options, not ruling out a possible return to Formula 1 in 2026. His connection to Red Bull remains strong, and he has expressed gratitude for his time with the team, highlighting his role in their past successes.
Sergio Perez’s exit from Red Bull may have been unexpected, but he remains positive and supportive of his former team.
