Sergio Perez stays at Red Bull until 2026 with new contract

Sergio Perez stays with Red Bull in F1 with contract extension to 2026
Sergio Perez, the Mexican F1 driver, has secured a two-year contract extension with Red Bull, keeping him with the team until 2026. This news comes amid speculation about his future.

Perez's crucial role at Red Bull
Perez's previous contract was set to expire at the end of this season, sparking rumors of a possible replacement due to his struggles to match teammate Max Verstappen's pace. Despite not winning a race since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April 2023, Perez's defensive driving has been pivotal in supporting Verstappen's championship pursuits.

Praise for Perez's defensive skills
Perez, affectionately known as «Checo,» has earned accolades for his defensive maneuvers, notably holding off Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi 2021, aiding Verstappen's first title win. Currently, Verstappen leads the standings with 169 points, followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc with 138, and Perez sits in fifth with 107 points.

Perez's gratitude and future goals
«I want to thank everyone for all the trust they are putting in me, it is a lot and I want to pay it back with excellent results on track, and off track,» Perez expressed in a team statement. He emphasized the team's shared ambition for more championships.

Continuity at Red Bull
With seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari next year, Red Bull might be the only top team retaining its lineup for 2025. Team principal Christian Horner highlighted the importance of stability, stating, «Continuity and stability are important for the team and both Checo and Max are a successful and robust partnership.»

Perez's career with Red Bull
Perez joined Red Bull in 2021, achieving five wins with the team and one with Racing Point in 2020. The extension also means he will race under the new 2026 rules emphasizing electric components in hybrid systems.

Credit: F1