Sergio Perez has signed a two-year extension with Red Bull, keeping him in Formula 1 until 2026.
The Mexican driver has played the role of understudy to champion Max Verstappen in recent years, finishing second in the Drivers’ Championship in 2023.
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He has also been instrumental in helping Red Bull win the Constructors’ World Championship in the last two years but has so far struggled to keep pace with his Dutch team-mate in 2024.
The 34-year-old is a five-time race winner with his current team and is Mexico’s most successful driver in the sport.
He put on a heroic defence against Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi in 2021, slowing the Brit down in his pursuit to win the title at the final event and allowing Verstappen to catch up and eventually overtake him for first place.
His future has often been questioned as he has never really challenged Verstappen for race wins or Championships, but his new deal has put an end to that speculation.
¡Vamos Checo! 🇲🇽
We are pleased to announce @SChecoPerez has signed a two-year extension to his existing contract ✍️
Nos complace anunciar que @SChecoPerez ha firmado una extensión de dos años a su contrato actual #F1 #RedBullRacing #ChecoPerez
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) June 4, 2024
Speaking after it was announced, Perez said: “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.
“I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this Team’s great history for two more years.
“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.”
The likes of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz had been linked with the Red Bull seat but Perez has become a favourite of Team Principal Christian Horner.
Checo in ⬛️&⬜️ because… why not? 🤩#F1 || #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/nIkclvERI4
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) June 1, 2024
Horner, 50, has always strived to lead his team to the top and believes Perez is a key part of the project.
He added: “Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo.
“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.”
