After a challenging 2024 Formula 1 season with Red Bull Racing, Sergio Perez has officially parted ways with the team. Following a year marked by struggles alongside dominant teammate Max Verstappen, Red Bull made the bold decision to replace the Mexican driver with rising star Liam Lawson. Now, Perez is taking a step back to reflect and plan his next career move.
Speaking at the Feria de Leon event in Guanajuato, Mexico, Perez opened up about his mindset post-Red Bull and offered fans a glimpse into his plans.
“In the next six months, I will make a decision on what’s next for my career,” Perez stated. “I am totally happy, and I will return to Formula 1 if that is what makes me happiest.”
A History of Resilience
Perez’s Red Bull exit isn’t the first time the 34-year-old driver has faced uncertainty in his career. Back in 2020, Racing Point (now Aston Martin) replaced him with Sebastian Vettel, leaving Perez without a seat just weeks before the 2021 season. However, Red Bull’s call changed everything, and Perez went on to deliver five race wins and multiple podium finishes during his tenure with the team.
“The important thing is that I never gave up,” Perez reflected. “Whenever something difficult happened in my career, better things came—and that was because I never gave up.”
Perez’s Break from Racing
For now, Perez is enjoying a rare period of tranquility. After over a decade in Formula 1, he is relishing time with his loved ones.
“I am really enjoying my children, my family, my friends,” Perez shared. “I’m finally going to travel—not for racing but to actually experience the world.”
The Red Bull Chapter Comes to a Close
Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 and played a crucial role in their constructor’s championship campaigns. While Verstappen’s dominance often overshadowed him, Perez contributed with six career victories, including five with Red Bull and one with Racing Point. His 2023 season was a highlight, finishing runner-up in the drivers’ championship.
Despite his efforts, the 2024 season proved to be a struggle. Red Bull’s decision to replace Perez with Lawson—coupled with a settlement allowing for his early exit—ended their partnership a year before his contract was set to expire.
What’s Next for Perez?
While Perez has not ruled out a return to Formula 1, his future remains uncertain. The veteran driver emphasized the importance of making a decision that brings him true happiness, leaving the door open to various possibilities within motorsport—or even beyond.
As fans await his next move, one thing is certain: Perez’s legacy as a resilient and tenacious driver is firmly cemented.
