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Sergio Perez’s Struggles Cost Red Bull the Constructors’ Crown – “Very Expensive,” Admits Horner

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
December 18, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Perez’s Red Bull Future in Doubt After Disastrous Mexican GP as Ferrari Overtakes in Constructors’ Standings, Horner – “Difficult decisions have to be made”

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 27: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner talk in the garage prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 27, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410270706 // Usage for editorial use only //

Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that Sergio Perez will not return for the 2025 Formula 1 season, citing his lackluster 2024 campaign as a major factor in the team’s disappointing third-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship. The decision comes as Liam Lawson emerges as the leading candidate to take Perez’s seat, closing a turbulent chapter for the Mexican driver.


A Steep Decline

Despite Max Verstappen securing the Drivers’ Championship with dominant performances, Perez’s results plummeted in the latter half of the season. Scoring just 21 points in the final 10 races, Perez fell a staggering 285 points behind his teammate, leaving Red Bull unable to fend off McLaren and Ferrari in the Constructors’ standings.

Team Principal Christian Horner acknowledged the financial and competitive impact of Perez’s decline:

“He’s been a great team player and has contributed a lot to the team in the past. But this year has been very expensive for us in terms of points lost,” Horner told Autosport.

The drop from first to third in the Constructors’ Championship represented a significant financial hit, compounded by the team’s high standards and past dominance.


Why Red Bull Stuck with Perez for So Long

In a controversial move, Red Bull extended Perez’s contract in June 2024, despite visible cracks in his performance. Horner defended the timing, explaining that it was intended to maintain stability as the team faced growing competition.

“Checo was performing, delivering podiums early in the season,” Horner said. “The renewal was to calm the noise and avoid distractions during a potential championship fight.”

However, Perez’s performances unraveled after the summer break, leaving Red Bull scrambling to salvage results and ultimately prompting the decision to replace him.


Attempts to Help Perez Fell Short

Red Bull exhausted multiple options to support Perez, including chassis changes, set-up tweaks, and extensive work with the engineering team. Yet, the Mexican driver struggled to adapt to the RB20’s unique characteristics, which had been tailored for Verstappen’s aggressive driving style.

“We’ve done everything we could to help him. But this season can’t be viewed in isolation—it’s a culmination of struggles to adapt to the car,” Horner said.


Perez’s Contributions Cannot Be Ignored

While Perez’s 2024 season was a low point, Horner emphasized the pivotal role the driver played in Red Bull’s successes over the past three years.

“Checo finished second in the World Championship last year, won five grands prix for us, and contributed massively to Verstappen’s 2021 title and two Constructors’ Championships,” Horner noted.

Despite his decline, Perez’s earlier accomplishments leave a mixed legacy at Red Bull—a driver who shined at times but ultimately fell short of long-term expectations.


What’s Next for Red Bull?

All eyes now turn to Liam Lawson, who is widely expected to step into the second seat. While Lawson has shown promise in limited appearances, questions remain about his ability to consistently deliver in a team as demanding as Red Bull.

Horner also denied speculation that Perez’s initial contract extension was a contingency plan in case Verstappen considered leaving the team, asserting that it was purely performance-driven.


Perez’s Future in Doubt

For Sergio Perez, the future is murky. With most 2025 F1 seats already filled, the six-time race winner faces the prospect of sitting out the season or pursuing opportunities outside of Formula 1. Fans and pundits alike are left debating whether Red Bull made the right call—and if it came too late to save the team’s dominance.

As Red Bull shifts its focus to 2025, the team’s willingness to make bold decisions underscores the stakes at play in the ever-intensifying battle at the top of Formula 1.

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