Esteban Ocon sends heartfelt message to Sergio Perez after his Red Bull exit is confirmed

Formula 1’s worst kept secret was finally confirmed on Wednesday as Sergio Perez has officially left Red Bull.

The Mexican did have a contract with the team for the 2025 season, but after enduring his worst season with Red Bull in 2024, he has opted to part ways early.

After suffering a dismal run of form this year, Perez faced increased pressure to keep his seat for next season. The 34-year-old did not finish in the top five after Miami and only scored 49 points in the last 18 Grand Prix as he finished eighth in the standings.

His results – or lack thereof – ultimately cost Red Bull the constructors’ title, which Ted Kravitz thinks was the final straw for Christian Horner as they began to assess their options for 2025 and bring in a new teammate for Max Verstappen.

While Perez struggled to perform, the Dutchman won nine races on his way to his fourth consecutive world championship, sealing the deal in Las Vegas.

Sergio Perez receives message from Esteban Ocon after Red Bull departure

Red Bull’s latest driver departure likely spells the end of the Mexican’s F1 career. Perez’s final radio message in Abu Dhabi was telling as he did not seem upset by the fact he retired from the race, almost like he knew he was leaving.

Despite his struggles with Red Bull, Perez had many great moments in F1 which included winning his first race at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix with Racing Point – having been last at one stage.

The 34-year-old was also a great character in the paddock, evidenced by the messages he received from fans and drivers worldwide. Red Bull teammate Verstappen sent a message to Perez saying that it was a pleasure to race alongside him and wished him the best in the future.

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Another teammate who sent a message to the Mexican was Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman spent two years with Perez at Force India before he was replaced by Lance Stroll in 2019.

Writing in the comments of Perez’s Instagram post about his Red Bull exit, Ocon was grateful to have raced with the 34-year-old and wished him well for the future: “Gracias por todo Checo. I learned a lot from you and it was great to race alongside you all these years. Wishing you all the best. I am sure we will see you again soon.. nos vemos pronto.”

Perez also received messages from his fellow Mexican drivers, including IndyCar star Pato O’Ward, who simply wrote: “Idolo,” meaning idol.

What’s next for Sergio Perez?

As aforementioned, Perez’s Red Bull departure likely means the end of his F1 career, with the 2025 grid looking locked in.

There is a seat available at Red Bull’s junior team Visa Cash App RB, but that seat is likely to go to Isack Hadjar. Either Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda will replace Perez, with an announcement due to be made this week.

There are several categories Perez could move to after leaving F1, with IndyCar being a fruitful option for the Mexican given his experience, as well as the financial backing and commercial value he would bring to a team with the huge following he has.

Only Dale Coyne Racing are yet to confirm their drivers for 2025 and while they will have other options available, it would be hard to turn down a six-time F1 race winner.

Perez could also move to the WEC, having previously stated he would love to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.