Red Bull Racing has made the decision to part ways with Sergio Perez following a series of disappointing performances in Formula 1. The Mexican driver, who last secured a race victory in April 2023, struggled to match the success of his teammate Max Verstappen throughout the season. Despite starting the 2024 season strongly with four podium finishes in the first five races, Perez's form declined, with his last top-three finish dating back to earlier in the year.
Red Bull officially announced the termination of Perez's contract two years ahead of schedule, citing the need for a replacement driver, which will be revealed at a later date. The team expressed gratitude for Perez's contributions, acknowledging the records and milestones they achieved together. Perez, known as 'Checo,' thanked fans worldwide, particularly the Mexican supporters, for their unwavering backing.
Perez's struggles in comparison to Verstappen's dominant performances drew parallels to past instances in Formula 1 history. Notably, the significant performance gap between Perez and Verstappen mirrored a similar situation in 1994 when Jos Verstappen was replaced mid-season as Michael Schumacher clinched the championship.
Despite Red Bull's efforts to support Perez, including a contract extension through 2026 in June, the anticipated improvements did not materialize. Team principal Christian Horner praised Perez as an 'extraordinary team player' and highlighted his five wins on street circuits as a testament to his determination.
Perez's nickname 'Mexican Minister of Defense' stemmed from his supportive role to Verstappen in their initial year as teammates in 2021. However, the duo's performance gap on the track this season hindered Perez's ability to provide significant assistance to his teammate.
In reflecting on his time with Red Bull, Perez expressed gratitude for the unforgettable experiences and successes shared with the team. Despite the parting of ways, Perez conveyed a message of resilience, urging fans to 'Never give up.'
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