Sergio Perez’s departure from Red Bull has left fans speculating, but Team Principal Christian Horner clarified that it was the Mexican driver’s own decision to step away. Facing a challenging season in 2024, Perez opted to take time out to reflect on his career and prioritize his family.
A Promising Start Turned Challenging
Perez began the season with strong performances, including four podium finishes in the first five races. His early success earned him a two-year contract extension in June. However, as the year progressed, his form dipped. He finished the season in eighth place in the drivers’ championship, trailing his teammate Max Verstappen by a significant 285 points.
Horner acknowledged that Perez’s struggles stemmed from difficulties adapting to the car’s narrow performance window, which Verstappen managed with ease. The performance gap grew, increasing pressure on Perez and creating a vicious cycle of underperformance.
Reflecting on His Next Steps
After the season ended, Perez and Red Bull reached a mutual agreement to part ways. Horner revealed that the decision was made following a candid discussion between the team and Perez. “Checo reflected on the year and decided to take time out,” said Horner. “It’s a chance for him to spend time with his young family and figure out his future.”
Horner praised Perez’s contributions, highlighting his key role in Red Bull’s past successes. “He’s been an incredible part of this team, playing a vital role in the 2021 drivers’ championship and the 2022 and 2023 constructors’ titles,” Horner added.
Contract Extensions and Speculation
When asked about the two-year extension granted earlier in the year, Horner explained that it was intended to boost Perez’s confidence and remove external distractions. “At the time, he was performing well, so the extension made sense,” said Horner. “However, the decision to step away had nothing to do with his contract. It was purely Sergio’s choice to take a sabbatical.”
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Challenges in Adapting
Despite his initial success, Perez faced mounting challenges throughout the season. Horner noted that the car’s design favored a narrow performance range, which made it difficult for Perez to maintain consistency. “He struggled to find his rhythm, and the pressure compounded his challenges,” Horner explained.
While Perez had moments of brilliance, such as in Azerbaijan, these performances did not translate into consistent results. His struggles ultimately hurt Red Bull’s constructors’ championship campaign, with the team finishing third behind McLaren and Ferrari.
No Transition to Sister Team
Addressing speculation about Perez possibly moving to Red Bull’s sister team, Horner dismissed the idea. “At this stage in his career, that wasn’t an option we considered,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As Liam Lawson steps up to partner Verstappen in 2025, Red Bull enters a new era. Meanwhile, Perez takes a well-deserved break, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and significant contributions to the team’s success. His decision marks a turning point, not just for himself but for Red Bull’s future dynamics.
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