Method 1: Sergio Perez, Crimson Bull Racing half methods with two years left in his contract

Crimson Bull introduced Wednesday that under-pressure Mexican driver Sergio Perez has departed the Method One outfit after 4 seasons with Liam Lawson tipped to turn into world champion Max Verstappen’s new teammate. Perez, 34, joined Crimson Bull in 2021 and helped the crew earn two constructors’ titles and accomplished a drivers’ standings one-two with four-time world champion Verstappen in 2023.

He gained 5 Grands Prix over 90 begins in Crimson Bull colors, together with a victory on the Monaco GP and a double in Azerbaijan. In the course of the 2024 season, Perez and Crimson Bull signed a contract extension, tying the pair collectively till 2026.

Gracias por todo Checo 💙

After 4 profitable seasons collectively, Sergio Pérez and Oracle Crimson Bull Racing have reached an settlement to half methods for 2025. pic.twitter.com/NAZFN87aKi

— Oracle Crimson Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 18, 2024

Nonetheless, the Guadalajara-native’s type dropped drastically after that deal and he picked up simply 9 factors from his remaining eight race weekends. This dip in type led to rumours about his future within the crew.

He got here eighth within the drivers’ standings as Crimson Bull surrendered their crew title to McLaren with a third-placed end.

‘Unforgettable expertise’

Perez was adamant throughout his tough interval that he would stick with the crew for subsequent season however he’ll now half methods with Crimson Bull with quick impact.

“I’m extremely grateful for the previous 4 years with Crimson Bull Racing and for the chance to race with such an incredible crew,” Perez stated.

“Driving for Crimson Bull has been an unforgettable expertise and I’ll at all times cherish the successes we achieved collectively.”

The veteran is not going to have a seat on the grid subsequent season, nevertheless it stays to be seen whether or not he’ll signal a deal elsewhere for 2026.

“A particular thanks to the followers around the globe, and particularly to the Mexican followers in your unwavering assist day by day. We’ll meet once more quickly. And keep in mind… By no means surrender,” Perez added.

Verstappen hailed his former team-mate on social media. “It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you”, the Dutchman wrote. “We’ve had some superb moments collectively that I’ll at all times keep in mind. Thanks, Checo!,” he added.

Thanks for these 4 years @redbullracing
I want you one of the best. pic.twitter.com/9vLUwvqBDl

— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) December 18, 2024

Crimson Bull stated that “bulletins concerning the crew’s full 2025 line-up will probably be made in the end”. New Zealander Lawson, who at the moment drives for Crimson Bull sister crew Racing Bulls, is taken into account the favorite to interchange Perez.

The 22-year-old has earned three top-10 finishes to date in his fledgling F1 profession. Lawson’s fellow RB driver Yuki Tsunoda of Japan may be in line for a promotion to the senior crew, after the 24-year-old took half in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi for Crimson Bull.

“I wish to thank Checo (Perez) for all he has finished for Crimson Bull Racing over the previous 4 seasons,” Crimson Bull crew principal Christian Horner stated in a press release.

“From the second he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be a rare crew participant, serving to us to 2 constructors’ titles and to our first 1-2 end within the drivers’ championship.

“Whereas Checo is not going to race for the crew subsequent season, he’ll at all times be an especially widespread crew member and a treasured a part of our historical past. Thanks, Checo.”