Sergio Perez has lost his seat at Red Bull Racing following a disappointing 2024 season. The Mexican driver, who joined the team in 2021, found himself under increasing pressure as the Formula One season progressed. Despite a strong start to his Red Bull career, Perez’s performance in 2024 failed to meet the team’s expectations, with the driver finishing a staggering 285 points behind his teammate, Max Verstappen. This gap in performance contributed to Red Bull’s loss of the Constructors’ Championship title to McLaren.
Pérez’s season was marred by a series of underwhelming results, culminating in a finish outside the top five in his last 18 races for the team. Meanwhile, Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ World Championship, further highlighting the disparity in performance between the two Red Bull drivers. Pérez, however, remained gracious in his departure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to race with the team.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team,” Pérez said in a statement. “Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience, and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.”
While Pérez’s exit marks the end of his time with Red Bull, it is clear that his contributions over the past seasons were not overlooked. Pérez played a key role in the team’s success, helping them secure the Constructors’ Championship in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, his efforts in supporting Verstappen during critical moments, such as the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix battle with Lewis Hamilton, were significant in cementing his place as a valuable team player.
Team principal Christian Horner acknowledged Pérez’s impact on Red Bull Racing’s success but emphasized that the team needed more from him in 2024. “From the moment he joined in 2021, he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the Drivers’ Championship,” Horner said. “While Checo will not race for the team next season, he will always be an extremely popular team member and a treasured part of our history.”
With Pérez’s departure, Red Bull has reportedly lined up Liam Lawson, a 22-year-old New Zealand driver, to replace him for the 2025 season. Lawson, who has been a part of Red Bull’s driver development program, stepped in for the team’s sister squad, AlphaTauri, midway through the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In total, Lawson has competed in 11 races, showcasing his potential and impressing team officials. His performance has made him the frontrunner to secure the seat alongside Verstappen in the upcoming season.
Lawson’s promotion to the Red Bull team marks a significant step in his career. The New Zealander has been highly regarded within the Red Bull family, and his time racing in Formula 1 has provided him with valuable experience. Lawson’s ascent to a full-time seat in 2025 is seen as a reward for his dedication and performance under pressure.
As Red Bull looks to the future, the team will be hoping that Lawson can provide the support Verstappen needs to continue their dominance in Formula 1. While Pérez’s time with the team has come to an end, his legacy within Red Bull Racing will remain significant, and his contributions to the team’s success will not be forgotten.
