Official: Sergio Perez extends his contract with Red Bull
As it was rumored in the paddock that he would extend for another year with Red Bull, Sergio Perez will stay there until at least the end of 2026, announced the Austrian team.
We were gearing up for some significant news from Red Bull, but perhaps we weren’t expecting this much. The Austrian team has just announced the extension of Sergio Perez’s contract for two years, until the end of 2026, whereas it was due to expire at the end of this season.
« 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 », commented the Mexican in a statement. « I am thrilled to stay here to continue our journey together and contribute to the great history of this team for two more years. Being part of the team is a huge challenge, which I love. We have a big challenge ahead this year and I have full confidence in the whole team : the future looks promising and I am excited to be part of it. I want to thank everyone for their trust in me. »
On his side, team principal Christian Horner expressed his delight in continuing the collaboration with Checo. Continuity and stability are important for the team, Checo, and Max form a strong and successful partnership, which allowed the team to achieve a double championship for the first time last year, he stated.
« Checo has started the year 2024 well, with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, followed by a podium in China. However, he nuanced, « the recent races have been difficult. There is convergence on the grid, but we have confidence in Checo and we look forward to his return to a proven form and performance, which we so often see. Last year was a season of unicorns and » we’ll have to work hard to keep our titles, but we are confident in our team and the team as a whole, which is imperative in what promises to be a highly contested championship this year. »
Five victories with Red Bull
This announcement puts an end to many rumors that have been circulating in the paddock for several weeks. First, that Sergio Perez would only sign for one year, following his poor performance this year (notably an incredibly violent accident in Monaco, less than two weeks ago).
The other, then, that Carlos Sainz would be ready to take back his seat. With this officialization, the Spaniard sees a (very important) door closing in front of him for next season, while he is still without a team. It is rumored that he could join Audi, which occupies an important place in his family of drivers, but the German team will not arrive until 2026. Some therefore send him to Williams next year, replacing Logan Sargeant, but nothing is confirmed at the moment.
At 34 years old, Sergio Perez has won five races with Oracle Red Bull Racing, has been on the podium 29 times, and has achieved three pole positions, including the first for a Mexican driver. He has become the most successful Mexican in the history of F1.
