Perez Reveals He Turned Down 'Two Chances' to Exit Red Bull

Sergio Perez revealed he had two offers to leave Red Bull, but he chose to extend his contract after careful consideration.

Sergio Perez revealed he had two opportunities to leave Red Bull and join another team for the 2025 season.

Perez’s future with the team remains under close scrutiny amid a challenging season for the Mexican driver.

He last stood on the podium in China and has slipped to eighth in the drivers’ championship, while his teammate Max Verstappen is on the verge of clinching a fourth F1 title.

Red Bull has fallen to third in the constructors’ standings, with team principal Christian Horner repeatedly urging Perez to step up his performance.

Perez signed a two-year contract extension with Red Bull earlier this year but disclosed he had the chance to switch teams.

“I had an opportunity—actually, two opportunities—to change teams,” he told GQ.

“When I thought about it, I realized I really enjoy the challenge I have at Red Bull. It’s a massive challenge to be Max’s teammate. It’s a challenge that essentially drives you toward what you want: to face the best.”

“So, I decided I wanted to spend the final part of my career at the top, right at the pinnacle, where the pressure is highest.”

“At the end of the day, when you go through a tough period, there’s a lot of talk, but ultimately, 90% of the grid would love to have had my career.”

Several drivers, including Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto, are being mentioned as potential replacements for Perez in 2025 if Red Bull ultimately decides to part ways with him. However, the 34-year-old has downplayed the significance of the rumors, emphasizing that they are an inherent part of Formula 1.

“That’s how the sport works. You have one or two bad races, there’s a lot of negative talk about you, and so on.”

“But it’s also something that’s part of the team culture—with Red Bull. The discussions around the environment, the young drivers pushing through, contract negotiations, and so forth. It’s simply part of the game.”

Is Perez protected?

Replacing Perez remains a significant challenge due to the terms of his contract. For instance, a number of new Red Bull sponsors for 2025 are reportedly tied to the Mexican driver.

It also appears that Christian Horner agreed to remove termination clauses from Perez’s new contract, which extends through 2025. Buying out Perez’s contract would not only cost the team tens of millions of euros in lost sponsorships but also €20 million in damages payable to Perez.

Despite this, team advisor Dr. Helmut Marko continues to suggest that Sergio Perez’s seat is not guaranteed for 2025.

“Nothing will happen before the final race in Abu Dhabi. Perez wants to keep fighting and get back on track over the last three races of the season. The situation will be reassessed after Abu Dhabi.”