Sergio Perez F1 News: Red Bull AXE confirmed in official statement

Sergio Perez, Checo Perez, Red Bull, Abu Dhabi, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Breaking F1 News

Perez confirms Red Bull AXE in official statement

Red Bull have made a decision regarding Sergio Perez's future

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Wednesday 18 December 2024 18:29 Updated: 18:53

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Sergio Perez has confirmed that he is leaving the Red Bull team, in an official statement posted to his X account.

The Mexican star has failed to deliver consistent results in 2024, enduring poor qualifying performances and low points-scoring finishes, ending the season with a run of just 13 points from his last nine events.

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In fact, the last time the Red Bull star stood on the podium was back in April at the Chinese Grand Prix, while he hasn't won a race since the 2023 Azerbaijan GP.

Perez's results this season have also hindered Red Bull's constructors' campaign, where they eventually finished third despite Max Verstappen's drivers' title success.

Sergio Perez has performed poorly in 2024

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have been team-mates since 2021

Sergio Perez's Red Bull replacement announced

The 34-year-old was first slammed with replacement rumours prior to the summer break, but Red Bull opted to retain the star for the rest of the season.

However, Perez's results failed to improve and, with two hungry drivers waiting for a chance at the top team currently driving for VCARB, Red Bull have made a decision.

Both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda were shortlisted by team boss Christian Horner for the drive alongside Verstappen, and it's now been revealed that Perez will leave the team, although his replacement has not yet been confirmed.

In a statement posted on X, Perez thanked his Red Bull team for four years that have yielded five race victories and two constructors' championship titles.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the past four years with red bull racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team," the Mexican said.

"Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience, and I'll always cherish the success we achieved together. we broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.

"A big thank you to every person in the team from management, engineers and mechanics; catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes. I wish you all the best for the future.

"It's also been an honour to race alongside Max as a team-mate all these years and to share in our success.

"A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. we'll meet again soon.

"And remember... never give up!"