Sergio Pérez loses Red Bull F1 seat with Liam Lawson waiting in wings

Sergio Pérez has lost his seat at Red Bull after a disappointing season. Pérez, who joined the team in 2021, came under increasing pressure as the Formula One campaign wore on, finishing 285 points behind his teammate, Max Verstappen, as Red Bull surrendered their constructors’ championship title to McLaren.

Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive drivers’ world title while Pérez finished eighth in the standings, failing to finish in the top five in his final 18 races for the team.

Pérez said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team. Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together.

“We broke records, reached remarkable milestones and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way.”

The New Zealander Liam Lawson is reportedly set to replace Pérez at Red Bull, having been drafted in to sister team RB midway through the past two seasons. The 22-year-old has competed in 11 races.

The team principal, Christian Horner, made no secret of the fact that Red Bull needed more from Pérez when his struggles ultimately cost them the constructors’ title. Pérez played his part in the team winning the title in 2022 and 2023 and helped Verstappen during his Abu Dhabi battle with Lewis Hamilton in 2021.

“I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons,” Horner said. “From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two constructors’ titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the drivers’ championship.

“While Checo will not race for the team next season, he will always be an extremely popular team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo.”