Formula 1 Drivers React to Sergio Pérez Sacking by Red Bull F1

By Ben McKimm - News

Published: 21 Dec 2024

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Readtime: 4 min

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Red Bull F1 has sacked Sergio Pérez after failing to deliver results during a tough 2024 season that saw McLaren claim the constructor title. The Mexican driver recorded five DNFs, seven zero-point finishes, and failed to score points in three of the 24 races. Still, many fans would remember his strong start to the season where he scored a podium result in four of the first five races.

Christian Horner, Red Bull F1 team principal told Sky Sports F1 that Pérez has been going in a “Vicious Circle,” trying to find out where it went wrong last season. “It’s been a hugely frustrating campaign for him, and of course, that’s hurt us quite badly in the constructors’ championship.”

When Man of Many interviewed Checo at the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year, Pérez said “The main lesson I have learned is just to not get too carried away with the bad moments. There will always be good and bad moments in your career, so it’s just about staying consistent with them and just going from there.” Unfortunately for Pérez, those bad moments only compounded in the second half of the season where he scored 46 points in 17 races.

Current Visa Cash App RB F1 driver, Liam Lawson, will take the seat at Red Bull F1 after taking Daniel Ricciardo’s job earlier in the 2024 F1 season. Many believe Isack Hadjar could also be in the running for Lawson’s RB seat after coming second in the FIA Formula 2 championship. Controversially, Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda was not given the top job.

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With all 2025 Formula 1 seats seemingly taken, Pérez will have his work cut out for him if he’s to find another place to race next season. It’s looking unlikely for now, however, technically speaking, RB is still looking to fill the seat next to Yuki Tsunoda. We also wouldn’t rule out a return to the new teams joining the Formula 1 grid in 2026, including Cadillac and Audi.

While we wait for an announcement about his future, Checo’s team has made an official statement on his social media accounts saying he’s “incredibly grateful for the past four years with Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team.”

“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience, and I’ll always cherish the success we achieved together. We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way,” the statement continues.

“A big thank you to every person in the team from management, engineers and mechanics; catering, hospitality, kitchen, marketing and communications, as well as everyone at Milton Keynes. I wish you all the best for the future.”

“It’s also been an honour to race alongside Max as a teammate all these years and to share in our success.”

“A special thank you to the fans around the world, and especially to the Mexican fans for your unwavering support every day. We’ll meet again soon.”

It’s a strong statement from a driver who believes that his time in F1 is not over. Checo will turn 35 in January next year, and drivers like Ricciardo have proven that time has truly become the enemy in this demanding sport. The top drivers on the grid have today paid their respect to Checo’s Red Bull F1 career, including his teammate Max Verstappen.

Here’s a table of Sergio Pérez’s 2024 F1 season results:

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