Red Bull Racing is facing a hefty bill as it looks to part ways with Sergio “Checo” Pérez, who has reportedly set a €16 million price tag on his departure. The Mexican driver, a key figure in Red Bull’s recent Constructors’ Championship triumphs, isn’t leaving quietly, and the team is bracing for the financial fallout of losing both his driving services and the sponsorship deals he brought to the table.
“He Wants His Money,” Says Rosberg
Former Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg shed light on the situation, stating, “He’s asking for €16 million. He wants his money and won’t leave easily.” Pérez, who joined Red Bull in December 2020, has been instrumental as a “loyal wingman” to Max Verstappen, aiding the team’s dominance in the Constructors’ standings.
What’s Next for Red Bull?
Red Bull’s move to replace Pérez is driven by a desire to find a new teammate for Verstappen, but it won’t come cheap. Aside from the payout to Pérez, the team stands to lose millions in sponsorship deals linked to the Mexican driver’s presence on the grid.
This development marks a significant shake-up in the team dynamics, with Pérez’s future uncertain and Red Bull exploring options for Verstappen’s next partner.
Elsewhere in F1: Ferrari Teams Up with Cadillac
In other Formula 1 news, Cadillac, set to join the grid as the 11th team in 2026, will have its engines and gearboxes supplied by Ferrari. The Italian manufacturer, which already partners with Haas, has inked a multi-year deal with Cadillac, supported by General Motors.
While the ultimate goal is for Cadillac to produce its own power units, a timeline for that transition has not yet been established, further intertwining the legacy of Ferrari’s engineering with the new American entrant.
A Costly Transition for Red Bull
For Red Bull, replacing Pérez comes with challenges both on and off the track. As the team navigates these changes, the hefty financial demands underscore the complexity of Formula 1’s high-stakes environment. Whether Pérez’s departure will disrupt Red Bull’s dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this breakup won’t come cheap.
