Sergio Perez leaves Red Bull F1 team

With the 2024 season over the F1 drama ensues.

On Wednesday Sergio Perez, known as Checo, announced on Instagram he is parting ways with Red Bull Racing now that the 2024 season’s complete.

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together,” Perez said.

Perez signed with the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team for the 2021 season. In 2022, the racer’s contract was extended through 2024, and it was then extended to 2026 in June. He posted five F1 victories with Red Bull.

Perez got his start in Formula 1 with McLaren in 2013 after Lewis Hamilton left the British outfit for Mercedes-AMG.

No announcement has been made where Perez will go or if he will continue racing.

After a successful run in 2023, Perez struggled to find pace in 2024. He ended the 2024 season’s Drivers’ Championship with 151 points for eighth in the standings, while his teammate, Max Verstappen, won the championship with 437 points. Perez’s poor showing prevented Red Bull from taking the Constructors’ Championship after winning it the previous two seasons.

It’s unclear what agreement Perez and Red Bull Racing came to with the racer’s contract ending early.

Red Bull Racing hasn’t said who will replace Perez for the 2025 season. That season will start just months from now on March 16.

Team Principle Christian Horner said on Instagram, “I would like thank Checo for all he has done for us over the past four seasons.” The executive confirmed Checo’s announcement leaving no question that a new racer will be Verstappen’s teammate.

The parting of ways is said to be immediate.