Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez, one of the most well-known Mexican drivers in Formula 1, announced that he will not continue in the competition for the 2025 season. At 34 years old, Pérez is no longer part of the Red Bull team, with which he had many great moments. The team officially announced his departure this Wednesday, but they have yet to confirm who will be the new teammate for world champion Max Verstappen next season.
The Agreement Between ‘Checo’ and Red Bull
Red Bull commented in a statement:
“After four successful seasons together, Sergio Pérez and Oracle Red Bull Racing have decided to take different paths in 2025.”
During his time with the team, Pérez contributed to winning two Constructors’ Championships for the team, becoming a key player alongside Verstappen.
A Path of Success with Red Bull
‘Checo’ Pérez joined Red Bull in 2021 and quickly demonstrated his skill by securing five wins, including the iconic Monaco Grand Prix in 2022. He also won in Azerbaijan in 2021 and 2023. However, in the 2023 season, while he finished in second place in the World Championship, 2024 was more difficult for him, as he only ended up in eighth place. Despite starting the year strong with four podiums in the first five races, he couldn’t maintain the pace throughout the season.
In total, the Guadalajara driver participated in 90 races with Red Bull, accumulating 29 podiums. His first Formula 1 victory came in 2020 when he was driving for Racing Point and won the Sakhir Grand Prix, becoming the second Mexican driver in history to win an F1 race, after Pedro Rodríguez.
The Future of ‘Checo’ and F1
Although ‘Checo’ will not continue with Red Bull, Formula 1 will not lose its Latin American representation. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto, 20 years old, will be the only South American driver in the 2025 season. Bortoleto, who was the Formula 2 champion, will make his debut with Sauber next year.
On the other hand, Argentine driver Franco Colapinto had a brief stint in F1 in 2024 with Williams, but he will not continue in 2025.
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