weak season for the Mexican,<\/a> who failed to win a race and finished on the podium only four times as team-mate Max Verstappen won his fourth world title.<\/p>\nPerez, who has essentially been sacked, said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the past four years with Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team.<\/p>\n
“Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I’ll always cherish the successes we achieved together.”<\/p>\n
Perez, 34, is expected to be replaced by 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson, in a promotion from the sister Racing Bulls team.<\/p>\n
Lawson, who drove six races at the end of 2024 and five during 2023, is said to have been told he would be promoted before the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
Frenchman Isack Hadjar, who finished second in Formula 2 this season, is expected to join Racing Bulls alongside Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, who has been overlooked by Red Bull for a seat in the senior team.<\/p>\n
In Abu Dhabi, Perez expressed his concern for an inexperienced driver being put in alongside Verstappen.<\/p>\n
“Being team-mates with Max at Red Bull as a young driver, I wouldn’t like to be in those shoes, if I’m honest,” Perez said.<\/p>\n
“People cannot underestimate the level of challenge that there is in this seat.”<\/p>\n
Although Red Bull had already decided to ditch Perez, he was reluctant to leave and his management sought the best possible compensation agreement before acquiescing.<\/p>\n
The team said “announcements regarding the team’s full 2025 line-up will be made in due course”.<\/p>\n
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: “I would like to thank Checo [Perez] for all he has done for Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons.<\/p>\n
“From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two constructors’ titles and to our first one-two finish in the drivers’ championship.<\/p>\n
“While Checo will not race for the team next season, he will always be an extremely popular team member and a treasured part of our history.”<\/p>\n
“It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you,” Verstappen posted on social media.<\/p>\n
“We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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