Perez's Formula 1 future is up in the air and so is his place at Red Bull

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Checo Perez will not race for Red Bull in the 2025 season

Mexican driver Sergio Pérez bid farewell to Red Bull with an emotional message in which he thanked the entire team for their support during his time at the team. ‘Thanks to everyone, from the management, engineers, mechanics, to the marketing team, communications and everyone at Milton Keynes. I wish you all the best for the future,’ said Pérez, closing a significant chapter in his Formula 1 career.

With 14 consecutive seasons in motorsport's top flight, Pérez made his grid debut with Sauber and moved on to McLaren and Force India-Racing Point before joining Red Bull in 2021. During his time with the team, he scored five victories, including memorable wins on street circuits such as Monaco in 2022 and Azerbaijan twice, earning him the nickname ‘King of the F1 Streets’.

However, his performance in 2024 failed to live up to expectations, finishing eighth in the Drivers' World Championship, while team-mate Max Verstappen was crowned champion. This contrast increased internal criticism of the Mexican and sealed his departure from the team.

Red Bull CEO Christian Horner highlighted Pérez's importance to the team's recent successes, including two Constructors‘ titles and the first 1-2 in the Drivers’ World Championship. ‘His victories on street circuits are a reflection of his ability to always push himself to the limit. Although he will not be with us next season, he will always be a beloved figure and a treasure in Red Bull's history,’ commented Horner.

With 90 races and 29 podiums for Red Bull, Pérez's legacy includes a key role in the 2022 and 2023 Constructors' Championships, as well as the team's historic double last year. Now, the team is looking for a replacement to join Verstappen in 2025. Among the names on the table, British youngster Liam Lawson has emerged as a leading option.

While Red Bull has announced that a decision on a new driver will be made ‘in due course’, Pérez's farewell marks the end of a challenging and successful era that has seen him become a cornerstone of the Austrian team's recent successes.