JUST IN :Perez makes BLOCKBUSTER announcement...

Perez makes BLOCKBUSTER announcement following Red Bull axe

Sergio Perez has made a major announcement on his social media just days after being dropped by Red Bull, signaling a new chapter following a challenging 2024 Formula 1 season. In a surprising move, Perez confirmed that he would be taking a sabbatical from F1 for the upcoming season, as Red Bull has decided to replace him with Liam Lawson for 2025. The announcement comes after a series of disappointing results in 2024, with Perez failing to secure a podium finish after the Chinese Grand Prix in April.

Perez’s performance this season has been underwhelming, with the Mexican driver finishing a distant eighth in the drivers’ standings, a staggering 285 points behind his teammate, Max Verstappen. While Verstappen dominated the season and secured his fourth consecutive world championship, Perez’s struggles were evident. Despite being part of Red Bull’s dominance, Perez has been unable to match Verstappen’s success, with his only notable achievements in recent years being five Grand Prix wins. His lack of podiums in 2024 only added to the pressure, culminating in his eventual departure from the team.

The Mexican driver’s time at Red Bull began in 2021 when he replaced Alexander Albon and formed a partnership with Verstappen, one that led to several race wins and titles for the team. Although Perez contributed to Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championships in those years, the pressure to consistently perform alongside Verstappen was immense. In particular, Perez struggled to maintain competitiveness in the 2024 season, which ultimately led to Red Bull’s decision to promote the promising Liam Lawson to the main team for 2025.

Perez’s sabbatical announcement has sparked a flurry of speculation regarding his future in the sport. While he has not revealed his plans beyond 2025, it’s clear that the 34-year-old is taking time to reset and reassess his career. His decision to step away from F1 after a rocky year signals a potential shift in his approach, though Perez has not ruled out a return in the future.

For Red Bull, the move to promote Lawson marks the end of Perez’s time with the team after a rocky partnership, but it also represents the start of a new era. Lawson, a talented young driver, has shown promising potential in his limited appearances with the team, and Red Bull is hopeful that he will be able to provide Verstappen with stronger competition in the upcoming seasons.

As Perez takes a break from the sport, the F1 world will be watching to see if he can find a way back to the grid in the future or if his time at the pinnacle of motorsport has come to an end.