Perez to Stay with Red Bull Despite Losing F1 Race Seat

Sergio Perez retains ties with Red Bull, taking on a new role after stepping back from racing duties following four seasons.

Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, revealed that Sergio Perez will not completely leave the fold of the Austrian brand or the Milton Keynes-based team.

Horner confirmed that Perez will perform some demonstrations next year, despite losing his seat to Liam Lawson.

It was announced on Wednesday that Perez and Red Bull had agreed to part ways after four seasons together, paving the way for Lawson’s promotion as Max Verstappen’s new teammate.

“No, it’s not a dismissal; it’s somewhat different from that,” Horner responded when asked about Perez’s relationship with the team moving forward.

“Sergio has been with us for four years, and during the first three, he played a huge role in the team, particularly in securing that first Drivers’ Championship.”

“Just think back to Abu Dhabi 2021 and the role he played for the team that day; Constructors’ Champion in 2022/23; he was second in the Drivers’ Championship last year.”

“This year has been a really tough one for him, and we sat down last week—having, of course, discussed it a bit beforehand—and decided that it was good for both of us to step back, for him to get out of the car, spend some time with his family, and reflect on what he wants to do next.”

“He will still be involved with the team,” Horner revealed. “He’ll do some demonstration runs with us throughout next year.”

“But it was good for him as well—because it wasn’t pleasant for him either, facing all that scrutiny, pressure, and expectation every weekend.”

As mentioned, Perez had signed a new contract in June; however, clauses in that agreement allowed Red Bull to make this key driver change.

“He had signed a new contract, but of course, in these contracts, there are clauses.”

“I won’t go into the details of the contract, but inevitably, there are stipulations and obligations between the team and the drivers.”

“We sat down and discussed it. Beyond the hard terms of the contract, it’s also about human relationships, and we’ve always had a great relationship with Sergio.”