Red Bull boss Christian Horner has revealed what lies ahead for Sergio Perez after parting ways with the Mexican.
The decision was made official on Wednesday with Perez reportedly deciding to leave, although Red Bull had already long begun their search for his replacement. The 34-year-old will not be on the grid next year, and it is unclear whether he will ever return to Grand Prix racing after four campaigns with Red Bull and 15 seasons behind the wheel of an F1 car.
Horner has now commended the job done by Perez and revealed that he plans to take some time out with family, while remaining involved in Red Bull Racing away from the track.
« Checo has been a fantastic member of this team, » Horner told Sky Sports. « It’s been a tough year for him, but he’s a great person and he played a key role in the 2021 Drivers’ Championship.
« We sat down and discussed [his future] last week. He’s decided to take a bit of time out, take a sabbatical from Formula 1 essentially. He’ll still be involved with the brand and the team. But he’s stepping back from driving duties moving forward.
« We’re sad to see him leave the team. It’s time for him to spend time with his family and reflect on what he wants to do for the future. »
Perez endured a torrid 2024 season, with his eighth-place finish in the individual charts dragging Red Bull down to third in the team standings. The veteran’s results were particularly alarming when compared with his team-mate, Max Verstappen, who won nine races and notched 14 podiums to Perez’s zero victories and four podiums.
Nevertheless, Perez reflected fondly on his time with Red Bull in a statement he posted on social media. « I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Red Bull Racing, » he said. « I’ll always cherish the success we achieved together. It’s been an honour to race alongside Max as a team-mate all these years and to share in our success. »
While Perez’s F1 career has seemingly wound down, for two young up-and-comers it is just heating up. Liam Lawson, 22, is reportedly set to be promoted from VCARB and race alongside Verstappen in 2025.
Meanwhile Isack Hadjar, a 20-year-old member of the Red Bull junior driver programme, is in line to take Lawson’s place for what will be his full-time F1 bow.
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