Editions
Los 40 USA
Scores
Follow us on
Hello
FORMULA ONE

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

In 2024, Horner warned Sergio Pérez about what could happen if he didn’t perform on the track, and now his departure from the team has been officially confirmed.

(FILES) Red Bull Racing's Mexican driver Sergio Perez listens to a question during a press conference ahead of the Qatari Formula One Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, north of Doha, on November 28, 2024. Red Bull announced on December 18, 2024 that Mexican driver Sergio Perez has departed the Formula One team. Perez, 34, joined Red Bull in 2021 and helped the team earn two constructors' titles and completed a drivers' standing one-two with four-time world champion team-mate Max Verstappen in 2023. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)
ANDREJ ISAKOVIC | AFP
Update:

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.

Related stories

“(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.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

Tagged in:

Comments
Rules

Complete your personal details to comment

Your opinion will be published with first and last names

We recommend these for you in Racing