Goodbye to Checo Pérez: The reasons behind Red Bull's dismissal of the Mexican driver

After an impressive run with the Red Bull Racing team, Sergio Pérez Mendoza has ended his tenure with the team that helped him achieve several podium finishes and two Constructors’ Championships. This decision follows a forgettable year that led Pérez to reflect on his future.

Although ‘Checo’ repeatedly stated that he had an active contract with Red Bull to race in 2025, this past year delivered unexpected results—especially disappointing to Christian Horner. After Pérez’s retirement from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Horner held a conversation with him to determine what would be best for both parties.

Pérez’s year was far from stellar; Horner reminded him of this on several occasions. During the Mexican Grand Prix, the media even questioned Red Bull’s boss about the future of the Mexican driver.

“Formula 1 is a results-based business, and when someone isn’t performing at the expected level, of course, there will always be scrutiny over that… there comes a point when difficult decisions have to be made,” Red Bull’s team principal stated to reporters.

A little later, during the Qatar Grand Prix, Horner reiterated his earlier comments, emphasizing that the Mexican driver should understand what would happen if he didn’t deliver on the track.

“(Sergio Pérez) knows the pressures of this business… Whatever he decides to do will ultimately be his decision. ‘Checo’ is mature and wise enough to draw his own conclusions,” Horner remarked.

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