Max Verstappen has now reacted to the news that Red Bull have sacked Sergio Perez by sending the Mexican a heartfelt message following four seasons as F1 teammates.
The Dutchman welcomed Perez to Red Bull back in 2021 but a new teammate now awaits in 2025 when Verstappen will bid to become a five-time consecutive Formula 1 champion. Red Bull confirmed today that Perez has been released from his contract for the 2025 F1 season.
Perez had convinced Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to extend his terms previously set to lapse after the 2024 F1 season with his form at the start of the year. But his form took a nosedive upon the 34-year-old putting pen to paper, so Red Bull have now pulled the plug.
Max Verstappen wishes Sergio Perez well after Red Bull terminate his contract for 2025
Horner believed that giving Perez a contract for the 2025 F1 season, which also handed Red Bull an option for the 2026 campaign, was the right decision to help take the pressure off in the middle of the year. But the Guadalajara native would force Horner to regret his decision.
After sealing four podium finishes through the first five Grand Prix of the 2024 season, Perez failed to return to a rostrum during the remaining 19. He even failed to finish any Grand Prix higher than P6 beyond round six – including failing to score points in eight of those 18 races.
So, Red Bull have sacked Perez with his contract for the 2025 season nullified after finishing the 2024 term just eighth in the drivers’ championship while teammate Verstappen won the title. But Verstappen has thanked Perez for his efforts after now being sacked by Red Bull.
Verstappen messaged Perez on Instagram after Red Bull confirmed the Mexican’s departure: “It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you. We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo!”
Sergio Perez’s parting gift to Red Bull was tequila after costing them the constructors’ title
Red Bull have sacked Perez after he managed to score just 152 points through 24 Grand Prix and six F1 Sprint events in 2024 compared to the 437 points that Verstappen posted to claim the drivers’ title. Perez even cost Red Bull the defence of their constructors’ championship.
McLaren won their first constructors’ title since 1998 at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and denied Ferrari the Scuderia’s first teams’ championship since 2008 on 666 points to 652, ahead of Red Bull in third place on 589. Mercedes ended the season in fourth with 468.
His plight further meant Perez cost Red Bull’s staff 40% of their bonuses and it has now cost the Mexican his job, as well. The Guadalajara native leaves Milton Keynes with a parting gift, though, after Perez handed all 1,400 Red Bull employees a bottle of Patron Tequila recently.
Had it been more points, rather than tequila, Perez would likely have stayed with Red Bull in 2025 rather than see his contract terminated, however. Now, he is left without a drive on the F1 grid next season with every seat already secured and Perez must target a return for 2026.
