Official announcement from a Formula 1 team or major motorsport news outlets

Red Bull and Sergio Pérez End Contract Early; Liam Lawson to Replace Him in 2025

Dec 18, 2024, 05:00 PM

Red Bull Racing and Sergio Pérez have agreed to part ways after four seasons together. Pérez announced his departure via social media, stating, 'Thank you for these four years @redbullracing. I wish you the best.' Red Bull confirmed the decision, expressing gratitude for his contributions, which included five race victories. The team has yet to officially announce his replacement, but multiple reports indicate that Liam Lawson, a 22-year-old New Zealand driver, is expected to join Red Bull as Max Verstappen's teammate in 2025. Pérez's departure comes despite having a contract that extended to 2026 and follows a challenging season where he finished eighth in the championship, 285 points behind Verstappen. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko had previously dismissed rumors about Pérez's future but hinted that announcements about the driver lineup would be made soon.