Red Bull has extended Sergio Perez’s contract by a further two years with a deal that will keep him with the team until at least the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Perez’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of this year. He has been part of Red Bull since 2021, when Max Verstappen won his first drivers’ championship. The Mexican – who has five wins to his name – has played a role in the team securing back-to-back constructors’ titles over the past two seasons, finishing second in the drivers’ championship himself last year to give Red Bull its first one-two in those standings.
“I am really happy to commit my future to this great team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track,” Perez said. “I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this team’s great history for two more years.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1388]
“Being part of the team is an immense challenge, and one I love. We have a great challenge this year and I have full trust in the whole team that the future is bright here and I am excited to be part of it.
“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. I think we have a lot of work to do, we have a lot more championships to win together.”
While there has been speculation regarding Verstappen’s future, the Dutchman is currently under a long-term contract and the retention of Perez will ensure continuity within the set-up that has brought him three consecutive drivers’ titles. Team principal Christian Horner said that consistency in the driver line-up is one of the keys that led to Perez’s extension.
“Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo,” Horner said. “Continuity and stability are important for the team and both Checo and Max are a successful and robust partnership, securing our first ever one-two finish for the team in the championship last year.
“Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then his podium in China. The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see.
“Last year was a unicorn season and we will need to work hard to retain our titles, but we are assured in our line-up and with the team as a whole, which is imperative in what is shaping up to be a close fought championship this year.”