Perez received a three-grid penalty for the Spanish Grand Prix as a result of his damaged vehicle returning to the pits, according to the decision of the stewards.
Helmut Marko, a member of Red Bull’s management, acknowledged that the driver lineup plan for the 2025 Formula 1 season did not go as expected, despite having a clear goal in mind.
For the next year, the team will continue to have Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s reserve driver.
Perez, who was initially set to become a free agent at the end of this season, received an extension before the Canadian Grand Prix, ensuring his stay at Red Bull until the end of the 2026 season.
Verstappen, on the other hand, remains under contract until 2028, having signed a long-term agreement in March 2022.
Red Bull had considered replacing Perez with various rival drivers, such as Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, or promoting Daniel Ricciardo from their junior team, Visa Cash App RB.
However, they ultimately decided to extend Perez’s contract to maintain stability within the team. Marko clarified that the extension was intended to promote a calm atmosphere, but the plan did not yield the desired results.
Now, he hopes that Perez will demonstrate his skills in the upcoming races, after delivering below-expectation performances in the Monaco and Canada Grand Prix.
“He was not obliged to adhere to it,” Marko said to OE24.
“We extended his contract with the intention of bringing tranquility to our team, which unfortunately did not materialize.
“But now Checo has three races ahead of him on three genuine tracks, so he has the opportunity to prove himself.”
Red Bull officially announced the extension of Perez’s contract shortly after his retirement in the Monaco Grand Prix.
Perez crashed on the first lap after colliding with Kevin Magnussen in Beau Rivage, despite having spotted the Haas driver in his rearview mirrors.
He also struggled in qualifying, recording only the 17th fastest time.
His difficulties continued in the Canadian Grand Prix, where he retired on lap 51 after exiting Q1 in 16th place and spinning at Turn 6, resulting in damage to his RB20.
The stewards imposed a three-grid position penalty on Perez for the Spanish Grand Prix due to his damaged car returning to the pits.
Red Bull had instructed Perez not to stop on the track to avoid a safety car, but his rear wing suffered damage due to a strong impact with the barrier.
