Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull: The bittersweet farewell of a champion

Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull: The bittersweet farewell of a champion

Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull since 2021, has decided to take a one-year break. This decision follows a particularly challenging season in which Perez only finished eighth in the championship and only collected 49 points in the last 18 races. Loud today.at This was the reason for the early end of his time at Red Bull, despite his contract term being extended in June until 2025. Perez will receive a severance payment of an estimated 15 million euros and will remain with the team as part of the Red Bull universe, which also includes show runs.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner confirmed that the decision to part ways with Perez came from himself and that he was reflecting on a new path in his career. “He has now made his decision and we fully support it,” explained Horner formula1.com reported. Horner highlighted that Perez showed strong performances last season but struggled with increasing pressure and the difference to Verstappen was huge. Despite his successes in previous years, Perez suffered from declining form, which ultimately made the decision to part ways easier.

There were also rumors behind the scenes that the early contract extension was a strategic decision to support Horner in the team hierarchy during his own challenges. Ultimately, Liam Lawson now has to step into the Red Bull cockpit for Perez and will compete alongside Verstappen. Horner emphasized that the discussions about Perez's future took place before his decision and that there was never any question that he could move to another position within the team.