“It’s a little different” says Horner’s surprising take on Pérez’s departure – Sergio Pérez’s departure from Red Bull Racing has shocked many in the Formula One world after what can only be described as a lacklustre season for the Mexican. While the consensus was that Red Bull had terminated Pérez’s contract prematurely, team principal Christian Horner has revealed a contrasting narrative.
In an interview with *talkSPORT*, Horner offered a nuanced explanation of the situation, insisting that Pérez was not “sacked” in the traditional sense. Instead, both parties came to a mutual understanding about what was best for Pérez and the team.
Horner clears the air
When asked directly if Pérez had been released, Horner replied, “No, it’s a bit different.”
He went on to discuss Pérez’s four-year stint with the team, highlighting the driver’s contributions in the first three years.
“Sergio has been with us for four years, and in the first three years he played a big role in the team,” Horner explained.
“He just had a really tough season this year. We sat down last week and decided that it would be better for both parties if he got out of the car, spent some time with his family and worked out what he wanted to do next.”
The decision, said Horner, was not a rash one, but the culmination of careful consideration of what would benefit both Pérez and Red Bull Racing says the team boss.
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Transitioning to a new role: Pérez to stay with Red Bull
Contrary to speculation that Pérez will leave the team, he will remain with Red Bull Racing. Horner revealed that the 33-year-old will take on a new role within the organisation, focusing on promotional and ambassadorial activities.
“He will be doing some show runs for us next year,” said Horner, although he noted that the exact scope of this role is still being finalised.
The move represents a significant pivot for Pérez, who has spent more than a decade in F1.
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“He didn’t enjoy the pressure”
Horner attributed Pérez’s departure to the relentless pressure that comes with being part of a dominant F1 team like Red Bull. “He also didn’t enjoy having to deal with that pressure and expectation every week,” said Horner.
The Mexican’s struggles were evident throughout the season. While his teammate Max Verstappen continued to dominate the field and easily secured another Drivers’ Championship, Pérez’s performance faltered. His inability to deliver consistently left Red Bull vulnerable in the Constructors’ Championship, which they eventually lost by over 70 points.
Pérez finished the season a staggering 280 points behind Verstappen, a gap that proved insurmountable. The gap highlighted the challenges Pérez faced and underlined Red Bull’s need for a driver who could reliably match Verstappen’s performance.
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A mutually respectful exit: “We had a grown-up conversation”
Despite the disappointing end to Pérez’s tenure as a Red Bull driver, Horner insisted there was no animosity between the parties.
“We had an adult conversation about it,” he explained. “He knew he had not achieved what he and we needed as a team.”
The British team boss’s comments painted a picture of a professional and amicable split, with both sides acknowledging the need for change. Horner’s insistence that there is no “bad blood” further dispels rumours of an acrimonious split.
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Looking ahead: What’s next for Pérez and Red Bull?
While the details of Pérez’s new role remain uncertain, his continued presence within the Red Bull family signals a commitment to maintaining a strong relationship. His experience and charisma could make him an effective ambassador, particularly in markets where his influence is strong, such as Latin America.
For Red Bull, the focus now shifts to filling the gap left by Pérez in the driver line-up. The team will undoubtedly be looking for a candidate who can complement Verstappen’s exceptional skills and make a significant contribution to their championship ambitions.
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A pragmatic decision
Sergio Pérez’s departure from the Red Bull Racing cockpit may have seemed like a dismissal, but Christian Horner’s account reframes it as a pragmatic decision reached through mutual understanding.
Pérez’s struggles during the 2024 season, coupled with the immense pressure of racing for a top team, made a change inevitable.
As Pérez transitions to a new role within Red Bull, the team’s leadership will focus on ensuring that the squad remains competitive in the coming seasons. With both sides parting on a professional yet amicable note claims Horner, the Pérez story at Red Bull Racing ends not in bitterness, but with respect and a shared recognition of past successes and present realities.
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Juan Pablo Montoya, the outspoken and highly respected former Formula One driver, has expressed serious concerns about Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing. In a revealing interview with *LuckyBlock*, Montoya assessed Red Bull’s recent struggles and the impact it has had on the Dutchman’s career.
Known for his unfiltered opinions, the Colombian painted a picture of uncertainty for Red Bull and suggested that Verstappen could be tempted to jump ship if the current trajectory continues.
Montoya’s comments reflect growing questions about Red Bull’s performance, strategy and long-term plans as the team faces mounting challenges. From internal engine development risks to a competitive grid that is closing the gap, Montoya believes Verstappen’s once ironclad position as a dominant force in Formula One is under threat…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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Ok I will give Horner the benefit of the doubt, you didn’t sacked him. Would you accept you betrayed him giving him a garbage of a car claiming always that max and him (Checo) had the same car? A stupid car that with just a small contact broke down while Max’s car would have four times harder contact en he would keep racing like nothing happened??? Yes absolutely you betrayed Checo and expected to deliver points with a garbage of a car. You think we all are stupid but we can analyze data and know what you’ve been doing to him. That’s BS!!!!!!
I agree 1000%. Check didn’t have a good car as Max
So, you both think that Red Bull didn’t want to win the Constructors Championship then? What they they wanted to spoil the chances of a driver just after they had given him a new contract. Obvious really, I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before……
“An adult conversation” and a lolly for Perez. Out through the backdoor.