Just in:Horner opens up on Perez’s exit from Red Bull…Read
Horner opens up on Perez’s exit from Red Bull…Read
Christian Horner has opened up about Sergio Perez’s departure from Red Bull, following a challenging 2024 season for the Mexican driver. Despite a strong start to the year, Perez’s performance deteriorated as the season progressed, leading to speculation about his future with the team. This speculation was confirmed after the season’s conclusion when Red Bull and Perez mutually agreed to part ways, with the driver stepping down immediately.
Perez, who had signed a two-year contract extension in June, had initially been in good form, securing multiple podium finishes early in the season. However, his struggles became more apparent as the year went on, culminating in an eighth-place finish in the 2024 Drivers’ Championship, 285 points behind teammate Max Verstappen. Red Bull also suffered a setback in the Constructors’ Championship, finishing third behind McLaren and Ferrari.
In a conversation with Sky Sports F1, Horner acknowledged the difficult decision Perez had made, recognizing the personal challenges the driver faced. He praised Perez for his contributions to Red Bull’s success, highlighting his critical role in securing both the 2022 and 2023 Constructors’ Championships, as well as helping Verstappen win the 2021 Drivers’ Championship. Additionally, Perez had won five Grands Prix with the team, showcasing his talent and importance to the squad.
Reflecting on Perez’s departure, Horner explained that it was a decision made after careful consideration. Perez had taken time off to evaluate his future and spend time with his young family. When Red Bull and Perez met to discuss his next steps, it was agreed that stepping away from Formula 1 would be the best option. Horner emphasized that the decision was not related to Perez’s earlier contract extension, which had been aimed at bolstering his confidence after an impressive start to the season. At the time, Perez had secured four podiums in five races, making the extension appear logical and dispelling some of the speculation surrounding his future.
However, Horner admitted that Red Bull did not fully understand the reasons behind Perez’s mid-season decline. He noted that the car’s performance window became increasingly narrow, and Perez struggled to adapt to the changes, which led to a growing points gap with Verstappen. “Sometimes, the harder you try, the slower you go,” Horner said, acknowledging that Perez’s difficulties created a vicious cycle that was hard to break. While there were moments of brilliance from Perez, such as his performance in Azerbaijan, those flashes of form were not enough to yield consistent results.
Addressing the possibility of Perez moving to Red Bull’s sister team, AlphaTauri, Horner clarified that this option had never been seriously considered. Given Perez’s stage in his career, it would not have made sense for him to move to a team that was not competing at the same level as Red Bull. Instead, Red Bull focused on supporting Perez’s decision to take a break from racing, allowing him to step away with their full backing.
Perez’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Red Bull, with the team now looking ahead to the 2025 season. Rising star Liam Lawson will replace Perez and partner Verstappen for the upcoming season, signaling a new direction for the team as they continue to build on their success.
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