The writing is on the wall for Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing. With an official announcement expected to be imminent, the Mexican driver’s tenure with the reigning powerhouse Formula 1 team is expected to come to a final conclusion before Christmas, according to font on ESPN. After months of persistent rumors and mixed performances, Red Bull has decided to move on—and Liam Lawson is ready to take the coveted spot.
Red Bull’s patience is over
Perez’s future was already under intense scrutiny after a turbulent 2024 campaign. Despite a strong start to the season with four podiums in the first five races, Perez’s performances plummeted after the Chinese Grand Prix in April. The podium drought that followed—and his difficulties keeping up with the blistering pace of teammate Max Verstappen—proved costly. Red Bull failed to defend their Constructors’ Championship title, as McLaren e Ferrari they capitalized on the team’s inconsistencies.
This dramatic collapse appears to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Red Bull team principal Christian Hornerwho did not hesitate to express his discontent. According to internal sources, the team’s discussions after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have shifted towards Perez’s exit, leaving little room for ambiguity.
Ambassador or exit: what awaits Checo?
Perez, who signed a two-year extension earlier this year under Red Bull’s expansive umbrella, could still receive an offer for an ambassadorial role—thus softening the impact of a full breakup. However, sources suggest a clean split is more likely, allowing Perez to explore opportunities beyond Red Bull and potentially Formula 1 itself.
While Perez’s departure would mark a seismic shift for the driver, speculation about his next step is already abuzz. If he decides to skip the 2025 season, it could open up opportunities for 2026 when Cadillacbacked by General Motors, will make its long-awaited F1 debut.
Enter Liam Lawson: Red Bull’s Rising Star
In typical Red Bull style, the team appears ready to promote from within its talent pool. Liam Lawson, the promising New Zealand driver who impressed during his 11 appearances with sister team Red Bull in 2023 and 2024, is expected to replace Perez. Lawson’s aggressive yet composed performances have cemented his position as a future star—one that aligns with Red Bull’s reputation for developing young talent.
Domino effect doesn’t stop here. Formula 2 runner-up Isack Hadjar he is likely to inherit Lawson’s reserve driver role, while Yuki Tsunoda is set to continue with Red Bull’s VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri) team for a fifth consecutive season.
The Ruthlessness of Formula 1
Sergio Perez’s impending departure is a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of Formula 1. Despite his experience and proven ability to win races, consistency remains king at Red Bull—a team driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection. The fallout from Perez’s struggles underscores how quickly fortunes can change in sports, even for a seasoned veteran.
while the official announcement is expected in the next few days, the message is clear: Red Bull is moving forward, and Liam Lawson represents the future. Whether Perez can recover for a return in 2026 or turn to new challenges remains to be seen, but a chapter in his F1 story is closing in dramatic fashion.
Stay tuned as the next era of Red Bull Racing begins and Formula 1 prepares for its latest change.
