Sergio Perez confirms Formula One's worst-kept secret after torrid season with Red Bull
Share:
Sergio Perez has today confirmed the long-anticipated news that he is leaving Red Bull, opening the way for Liam Lawson to take the hottest seat in Formula One – as Max Verstappen's team-mate. The 34-year-old Mexican is moving out after a tough season for him. A talented driver, his form was nevertheless shot and he finished 224 points behind Verstappen, in eighth place, compared to the Dutchman's crushing fourth world championship success.
![[Hips departure means world champion Max Verstappen (second left) will have a new partner]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/16/93281093-14206465-image-a-18_1734538309330.jpg)
'Checo' Perez leaves with five of his six career wins at Red Bull. He will be most cherished at team for his brilliant defensive drive to keep Lewis Hamilton behind him in the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, won controversially by Verstappen. The new champion expressed that night how grateful he was for Perez's contribution to his first title success and was keen earlier in the season for his sidekick to stay on.
![[Red Bull team principal Christian Horner (right) described him as an 'extraordinary team player']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/16/93281119-14206465-image-a-19_1734538311586.jpg)
Perez was also a massively valuable marketing commodity in the huge Mexican market, another fact that helped his cause. Perez took up a deal in June to race until the end of next season, but fading form put paid to those hopes. A decision to look at alternatives was made several weeks ago.
![[The door now seems open for Liam Lawson, 22, to replace him, stepping up to the junior side]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/16/93281131-14206465-image-m-21_1734538316619.jpg)
Sergio Perez has left Red Bull on the back of a season of struggled throughout 2024. Hips departure means world champion Max Verstappen (second left) will have a new partner. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner (right) described him as an 'extraordinary team player'.
