Sergio Perez has spoken out for the first time since his dramatic departure from Red Bull Racing, offering a heartfelt message to fans on Christmas Day. The Mexican driver’s exit was confirmed after a challenging 2024 season, paving the way for rising star Liam Lawson to take his seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2025.
Perez’s message, shared on social media, struck a reflective and hopeful tone:
“Merry Christmas, may God bless your homes and bring peace! At this time of the year, we should always think of the less fortunate! I wish you all the very best and most of all peace!”
This comes as Perez prepares for life outside the Red Bull fold after four years with the team. His tenure, while highlighted by some strong performances, ultimately ended under a cloud of underwhelming results and mounting pressure.
From Promise to Struggles: Perez’s Tumultuous 2024 Season
Perez began the 2024 Formula 1 season with promise, clinching three podiums in the first four races. However, his form dramatically deteriorated as the season progressed, scoring just nine points in the final eight races. Plagued by difficulties with the RB20 car, Perez’s struggles became a glaring issue for Red Bull, culminating in a crash at Baku after an incident with Carlos Sainz.
The Mexican driver ended the year winless, the only lead driver among the top teams to do so, as Red Bull finished a distant third in the Constructors’ Championship behind McLaren and Ferrari.
Despite signing a contract extension earlier in the year, both parties mutually agreed to part ways, signaling the end of Perez’s stint with the Milton Keynes outfit.
The Dawn of a New Era at Red Bull
With Perez’s departure, Red Bull has turned to 22-year-old Liam Lawson to partner with Verstappen for the 2025 season. The New Zealander has impressed in his brief F1 outings, showcasing the promise that Red Bull hopes will complement Verstappen’s dominance.
Additionally, Red Bull continues to invest in its development pipeline, promoting Isack Hadjar to a role within its sister team, partnering with Yuki Tsunoda.
Perez’s Legacy and What’s Next
Despite the bitter end, Perez’s time at Red Bull saw its fair share of highs, including helping the team secure Constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023. Known for his tenacity and knack for tire management, Perez leaves a legacy of being a team player who played a pivotal role in Verstappen’s 2021 title win by famously defending against Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
As speculation swirls about Perez’s next move, fans and pundits alike are eager to see whether the 34-year-old will secure a seat elsewhere or explore opportunities outside Formula 1.
A Farewell Wrapped in Warm Wishes
Perez’s Christmas message, while brief, encapsulated the class and grace he’s shown throughout his career. As Red Bull closes this chapter, it’s clear Perez remains focused on positivity and gratitude during this transitional moment.
For now, fans await to see where “Checo” will steer his career next—whether it’s another turn in the F1 paddock or a new venture entirely.