Sergio Perez set for Red Bull exit ahead of 2025 F1 season

Sergio Perez’s tenure with Red Bull Racing appears to be coming to an end, with an official announcement expected before Christmas.

The Mexican driver, who joined the team in 2021, has reportedly been offered the option to retire from Formula 1 or transition into an ambassadorial role, much like Daniel Ricciardo did in 2023.

• F1: RICCIARDO’S FUTURE UNCERTAIN AS PEREZ EXTENDS RED BULL DEAL

According to various media outlets, Red Bull’s rising star Liam Lawson is set to fill the seat vacated by Perez.

This marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old New Zealander, who has impressed in his limited appearances with Red Bull’s sister team over the past two seasons.

Lawson’s promotion leaves a vacancy at Racing Bulls — the rebranded name for Red Bull’s junior team starting in 2025.

Formula 2 runner-up Isack Hadjar is rumored to step into that role, while Yuki Tsunoda is confirmed to return for a fifth consecutive season with the team.

Perez’s future remains uncertain as he contemplates his next career move.

Stepping away from Red Bull could open opportunities in other motorsport categories for the 34-year-old, while the upcoming entry of General Motors’ Cadillac into F1 in 2026 could provide a potential route back into the sport.

Beyond that, several other seats — including at Mercedes, Alpine, and Racing Bulls — are expected to be up for negotiation at the end of the 2025 season.

Perez’s exit from Red Bull follows a challenging season marked by inconsistent performances that some argue cost the team the constructors’ championship.

Despite signing a two-year extension in June, his form in the latter half of 2024 fell short of expectations, intensifying speculation about his future.

In a further hint towards his looming exit, Perez is conspicuous by his absence from F1 betting markets for the 2025 drivers’ championship.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris lead the way at +210 apiece with BetOnline, while Charles Leclerc (+410), Lewis Hamilton (+750) and Oscar Piastri (+825) round out the likely challengers.

Sports news