Sergio Perez has publicly addressed his departure from Red Bull Racing for the first time since the team announced the split last month. Speaking at a press conference in his hometown of León, Mexico, the former Red Bull driver did not hold back, shedding light on the internal dynamics that he believes led to his exit.
Perez, who joined Red Bull in 2021, endured a challenging 2024 season, scoring only 152 points compared to teammate Max Verstappen’s staggering 437. The disparity contributed to Red Bull slipping to third in the Constructors’ Championship. Reflecting on his departure, Perez accused the team of being overly reliant on Verstappen, stating, “They are too scared of Max and depend on him entirely. That level of favoritism doesn’t leave room for another driver to thrive.”
The Struggles of 2024
The 2024 season started promisingly for Perez but quickly unraveled as he struggled for pace and consistency. The Mexican driver admitted some accountability, saying, “I wasn’t at my best in several races, but the lack of support and trust from the team made things worse. I felt like an outsider in my own garage.”
Perez’s inability to break out of his slump led to tense negotiations with Red Bull after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The decision to part ways was finalized, with Perez being replaced by Red Bull junior Liam Lawson for the 2025 season.
Perez’s Plans for the Future
At the press conference, Perez shared his immediate plans to take a break from the sport. “I need time to reflect and decide what comes next. Formula 1 has been my life for so long, but after what I’ve been through, I need to prioritize my mental health and my family,” he said.
Perez also hinted at the toll Red Bull’s environment took on him, saying, “It’s not just about driving fast cars. It’s about being in a team that values you, and I didn’t feel that anymore at Red Bull.”
A Career at a Crossroads
Despite the challenges, Perez remains optimistic about his future. When asked if he would consider returning to F1, he responded, “I’m not ruling it out, but I need to make sure that if I come back, it’s with a team that believes in me as much as I believe in myself.”
Perez’s departure marks the end of a turbulent chapter with Red Bull, where he contributed to two Constructors’ Championships but also faced increasing pressure in the shadow of Verstappen’s dominance. Whether he will return to Formula 1 or explore opportunities elsewhere remains uncertain, but his candid remarks have already reignited debates about Red Bull’s handling of their drivers.
As Perez steps away from the spotlight to contemplate his next move, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see what the next chapter holds for the experienced Mexican racer.