In view of the next seasonal event in Canada, the drivers' market is once again making headlines, placing another pawn on the chessboard. This time we are talking about Red Bull, which having chosen the driver to partner with Verstappen thus becomes the third team to close its driver line up for 2025 and beyond. The Austrian team is not having a very happy time. Since the start of the season, Red Bull has collected 5 victories, always and only with Max Verstappen, but in the last three races they have achieved only one success, in Imola. Although the Dutchman has shown that he can defend the title, albeit with a few more difficulties than last season, the same cannot be said of Sergio Perez, who has also been overtaken by Leclerc in the drivers' standings. However, a subdued start does not seem to have changed plans Red Bull who has decided to renew Sergio Perez's contract.
Perez renews at Red Bull until 2026
Things at Red Bull seem to have changed since Adrian Newey's departure. In fact, for a few weeks the team seems to be having a much harder time finding the ideal set-up, struggling with the RB20. We remember that Red Bull wanted to evolve again this season, bringing a completely new philosophy to the track. Last year's dominance therefore seems to be receding, and this is also thanks to the rapid growth of McLaren and Ferrari. Leaving aside Australia, there are two occasions in which Red Bull has been beaten on the track.
Il future of Perez has been questioned several times. More is expected from those who occupy the seat of the champion team. Compared to his teammate Perez, he has never had the certainty of a renewal for the next seasons. Which is why the Mexican had an excellent start marked by a series of Red Bull doubles in succession. However, Perez has encountered some difficulties in recent races. At the same time, however, Red Bull also had its first problems and this contributed to making the Mexican's performances less relevant. Perez would have wanted a two-year deal to avoid having to find himself back to top next year. AND this option was accepted by the team with which he will remain until 2026.
The press release
Perez will therefore remain in the official and Max Verstappen team for another two years. As stated in the press release “Oracle Red Bull Racing is pleased to announce that Checo has committed his future to the Team with a two-year extension to his existing contract."
Since joining the Team at the end of 2020, Checo has enjoyed his most successful seasons in Formula 1, finishing the 2023 season in second place in the Drivers' Championship, the first time the Team has achieved a Championship double. Checo's points contributed to two World Constructors' Championships for Oracle Red Bull Racing, in 2022 and 2023. Checo, has five wins to his name with Oracle Red Bull Racing, 29 podiums and three pole positions, including the first pole position for a Mexican driver.”
The words of Christian Horner and Sergio Perez
CEO and Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: “Now is an important time to confirm our lineup for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo. Continuity and stability are important to the Team and both Checo and Max represent a solid and successful partnership, which last year secured our first ever double for the Team in the championship. Checo has had a good start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then podiums in China. The last few races have been difficult, there is convergence on the grid, but we have faith in Checo and look forward to his return to the proven form and performance we see so often. Last year was an important season and we will have to work hard to retain our titles, but we are confident in our line-up and with the team as a whole, which is crucial in what promises to be a hotly contested championship this year .”
These are the words of Sergio Perez: “I am really happy to commit my future to this great Team, it is an unprecedented challenge to race for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on and off the track. I am happy to stay here to continue our journey together and contribute to the great history of this Team for another two years. Being part of the Team is an immense challenge, which I love. This year we have a great challenge and I have full faith in the whole team: the future is bright and I am excited to be part of it. I want to thank everyone for the trust they are placing in me, it's a lot and I want to repay it with excellent results on and off the track. I think we have a lot of work to do, we still have many championships to win together."
