After several months of rumors and negotiations, Red Bull exfiltrated Sergio Perez from its team. Replaced by Liam Lawson, the Mexican driver spoke about his departure from the Austrian team and, partially, about a return to Formula 1.
Sergio Perez will not be a Formula 1 driver in 2025. Despite a contract that ran until the end of the 2026 season, Red Bull has decided to terminate his contract. The reason is insufficient results in 2024 which led the team to lose its title of constructors' world champion. Among the downsides of the Mexican's season: no pole position, no victory and the last podium acquired in the spring in China. Conversely, Max Verstappen, despite a difficult car to drive, obtained 9 victories and acquired a 4th world title in a row.
Not prepared to leave F1
According to what he told the press a few days ago, Sergio Perez did not expect to be sidelined:
“Everything happened very quickly at the end of last season. I didn't expect to leave the team”.
Well, we imagine that it is above all communication. Because the whole paddock knew that Sergio Perez's seat had been in danger for many weeks. Already this summer, negotiations had taken place to replace him. As for a return to Formula 1, it is still too early to say, according to him:
“He is too early to say if I plan to return to F1”.
The most obvious avenue for a return to the state is to be found with the new Cadillac team. Sergio Perez is very popular in Latin America. He also has many sponsors behind him who could help him find a place in a second-tier team.
A year of transition
While waiting to see what might come his way (Endurance, IndyCar, return to F1), Sergio Perez declares that he wants to take time for himself and those close to him before committing to a new project:
“My priority is to take time for myself, to enjoy my life, to do things that I haven't done yet…In F1, we are constantly focused on performance, on how to become a better driver. This leaves little room for anything else”
