Horner issues statement following official Red Bull EXIT after…read more
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has issued a statement following the departure of Sergio Perez, one of the team’s biggest stars. The move marks the end of Perez’s four-year tenure with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, which had been filled with both highs and lows. After months of speculation, Red Bull officially confirmed this week that Perez would be leaving the team, despite having signed a new contract earlier in the year.
Perez’s performance during the 2024 season had been a significant factor in the decision to part ways. The Mexican driver, who had been a consistent presence alongside Max Verstappen, suffered a severe drop in form last season. Over the final 18 races of 2024, Perez scored just 49 points, a slump that contributed to Red Bull’s failure to secure the constructors’ championship. McLaren, who clinched their first constructors’ title in 26 years, and Ferrari were able to capitalize on Perez’s struggles, which ultimately led Red Bull to make the difficult decision to let him go as they aim to return to the top in the upcoming season.
The change in Red Bull’s driver lineup comes with the arrival of Liam Lawson, who will replace Perez for the 2025 season. Lawson, a Kiwi racer, had initially joined Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri, earlier in the season to replace Daniel Ricciardo. Although he only scored points twice during his stint, Lawson impressed Red Bull bosses, including Horner, with his potential and performances. As part of the announcement, Horner shared a post on his Instagram welcoming Lawson to the team and expressing confidence in his abilities to make a strong impact.
Lawson’s appointment alongside Max Verstappen will mark a new chapter for Red Bull Racing, as they move forward with a fresh driver pairing. The team is clearly looking for a stronger, more reliable partnership to support Verstappen as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the constructors’ championship. Horner’s statement reflects optimism for the future, as Red Bull makes strategic changes to ensure they maintain their competitive edge in Formula 1.
