Although he finished in 2nd place in the individual championship last year behind his teammate Max Verstappen, Red Bull did not allow Sergio Perez to make a deep flight this year, so the Mexican was sent away at the end of 2024 even though he signed a contract until 2026 at the beginning of the summer under.
The motorsport boss of the energy drink manufacturer, Helmut Marko, spoke about the delivery of the 35-year-old driver:
“In the beginning, he didn’t believe that this could be the end either. He kept hoping that he would find himself again. He won five races with us, he was also second in the championship last year – the only thing that didn’t work out for him was the improvement in form. He realized that he would not be able to find himself in this environment, so the best thing would be to separate.” – said the Austrian to Sport.de, also admitting that the termination of the contract was not cheap.
“Well, we’re in Formula One, so yes (it cost millions),” he said when asked, although he did not specify the amount.
By the way, Marko believes that Perez may still have a future in Formula 1:
“There are still many opportunities ahead. I think he still hopes for a return to F1, of course the places for next year are all sold out. But as an experienced rider, new opportunities can come if you wait a year on the coastline.”
In terms of experience, Red Bull chose Liam Lawson, who completed a total of 11 races in 2023 and ’24, as Perez’s successor, instead of Juki Cunoda, who spent four full seasons with the minor team. Marko explained the decision as follows:
“Liam is the one who can stand up to Max because of his mental attitude. No one can beat him at the moment anyway. He has little Formula 1 experience, but that is why we see the greatest development potential in him” – he now told the Austrian Kleine Zeitung.
“The decision was clearly a disappointment for Cunoda. His pace is undisputed, but he lacks a certain level of balance, and he is also a rather impulsive driver. Lawson was the right choice, and Juki Cunoda will be the leader of the Racing Bulls next year” he continued.
Next to the Japanese is Isack Hadjar, who finished 2nd in Formula 2 this year – Marko also admits that the composition will be interesting, because the French is also quite hot-headed.
“He is a very fast, but very impulsive driver, and it can be an interesting atmosphere in the team. But this promotion also shows that we focus on the members of our recruitment program. I am convinced that this is the right direction, and that Hadjar will prove it.”
Source: www.vezess.hu
