The writing is on the wall for Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing. With an official announcement reportedly imminent, the Mexican driver’s tenure with the reigning powerhouse of Formula 1 is expected to come to a definitive end before Christmas, according to ESPN sources. After months of swirling rumors and wavering performances, Red Bull has chosen to turn the page—and Liam Lawson is poised to step into the coveted seat.
Red Bull’s Patience Runs Out
Perez’s future was already under intense scrutiny following a turbulent 2024 campaign. Despite starting the season strong with four podiums in the first five races, Perez’s performance fell off a cliff after the Chinese Grand Prix in April. The podium drought that followed—and his struggles to match the blistering pace of teammate Max Verstappen—proved costly. Red Bull failed to defend its Constructors’ Championship title, as McLaren and Ferrari capitalized on the team’s inconsistencies.
This dramatic drop-off appears to have been the final straw for Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who hasn’t been shy about voicing his dissatisfaction. According to insiders, the team’s discussions following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix shifted focus toward Perez’s exit, leaving little room for ambiguity.
Ambassador or Exit: What Lies Ahead for Checo?
Perez, who signed a two-year extension earlier this year under the broader Red Bull umbrella, may yet be offered an ambassadorial role—softening the blow of a complete split. However, sources suggest a clean break is more likely, allowing Perez to explore opportunities beyond Red Bull and potentially Formula 1 itself.
While Perez’s departure would mark a seismic shift for the driver, speculation is already bubbling about his next move. Should he sit out the 2025 season, opportunities may open up for 2026 when Cadillac, backed by General Motors, makes its much-anticipated F1 debut.
Enter Liam Lawson: Red Bull’s Rising Star
In typical Red Bull fashion, the team appears ready to promote from within its talent pipeline. Liam Lawson, the promising New Zealand driver who impressed during his 11 appearances with Red Bull’s sister team in 2023 and 2024, is expected to replace Perez. Lawson’s aggressive yet composed performances have cemented his position as a future star—one who aligns with Red Bull’s reputation for developing young talent.
The domino effect doesn’t stop there. Formula 2 runner-up Isack Hadjar is likely to inherit Lawson’s former reserve driver role, while Yuki Tsunoda is set to continue with Red Bull’s rebranded VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri) squad for a fifth consecutive season.
The Ruthlessness of Formula 1
Sergio Perez’s looming departure is a stark reminder of Formula 1’s unforgiving nature. Despite his experience and proven ability to win races, consistency remains king at Red Bull—a team driven by relentless pursuit of perfection. The fallout of Perez’s struggles underscores how quickly fortunes can shift in the sport, even for a seasoned veteran.
While the official announcement is expected in the coming days, the message is clear: Red Bull is moving on, and Liam Lawson represents the future. Whether Perez can regroup for a return in 2026 or pivots to new challenges remains to be seen, but one chapter of his F1 story is closing in dramatic fashion.
Stay tuned as Red Bull Racing’s next era begins and Formula 1 braces for its latest shake-up.