Sergio Perez steps away from F1, with Red Bull poised to choose between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda as his successor.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, provided further details, stating that Sergio Perez had decided to “take a sabbatical” from F1, not (yet) retire.
On Wednesday, Perez and Red Bull confirmed their separation, with the 34-year-old Mexican set to leave the team at the end of the 2024 season after four years together.
The expected announcement follows negotiations to determine the precise terms of Perez’s departure, as he had earlier signed a two-year contract extension covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
It has been reported that Perez might be offered an ambassadorial role at Red Bull, and Horner suggested he would remain part of the team despite stepping away from driving duties.
“He has been a fantastic member of this team. It has been a tough year for him, but he’s a great person and, of course, played a key role in the 2021 drivers’ championship, as well as the 2022 and 2023 constructors’ titles. He finished second in the drivers’ championship last year and won five Grands Prix in our cars.”
“After the season, he reflected, and we sat down last week to discuss the next steps. He decided to take some time off, essentially a sabbatical from Formula 1.”
Will he retain a role at Red Bull? According to Horner, yes, though the details remain unclear.
“He will still be involved with the brand and the team, but he is stepping back from driving duties moving forward.”
“We are sad to see him leave the team, but it’s obviously time for him to spend some time with his young family and figure out what he wants to do next.”
Tsunoda or Lawson?
Red Bull has not yet confirmed Perez’s replacement for 2025, but Liam Lawson is considered the frontrunner to become Max Verstappen’s next teammate.
Horner confirmed tonight that the decision will come down to a choice between 22-year-old New Zealander Lawson and his Racing Bulls teammate, Yuki Tsunoda.
An official confirmation of Red Bull’s plans for 2025 is expected on Thursday or Friday, or early next week.
“We have all the information we need,” said Horner. “It will essentially come down to a choice between Yuki and Liam. Both have strong credentials.”
“We recently tested Yuki at the Abu Dhabi test to give him a chance to work with the engineering team. Liam has also done a lot of testing with us behind the scenes this year and drove very well in the six or seven races he contested.”
“So we have all the data. We are reviewing and considering everything, discussing it with the engineering team, and we’ll reach a conclusion in the coming days.”
Perez
Sergio Perez shared a video on social media, suggesting he is indeed taking a break from his driving career rather than retiring.
“Four years ago, an opportunity came along that would change my life. In a moment of confusion and frustration, an opportunity arose that would transform my career. Hand in hand with my first victory (with Racing Point), I joined Red Bull.”
“I came with the dream of bringing the team back to the top and raising my flag on the podium. It wasn’t easy, but with hard work and determination, the results came.”
“We became champions. Mexico sang with our first home podium. And, of course, we conquered Monaco. We built history with our own hands.”
“Today, it’s time to thank Red Bull and move on. I am grateful and honored to have been part of their story.”
“On a personal note, it’s time to slow down for the first time in my life. But it’s just a few corners before I find out what my next journey will be.”
“To everyone who stood by me, I will always be thankful. And no matter how difficult your dreams may seem, always dare to believe in them.”
“The best is yet to come. We will meet again. Never give up.”
- Discover More>Official : Red Bull Ends Partnership with Pérez After Tough Year
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Horner Confirms Perez Exit: Red Bull Eyes Lawson or Tsunoda Horner Confirms Perez Exit: Red Bull Eyes Lawson or Tsunoda
