Sergio Pérez extends his contract with Red Bull until 2026

As expected, Sergio Pérez convinced Red Bull managers to extend his contract, returning for a 5th season in Milton Keynes. It is now linked to it until 2026.

Published 04/06/2024 à 18:00

Gonzalo Forbes

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Sergio Pérez extends his contract with Red Bull until 2026

© Antonin Vincent / DPPI

It was said to be in the hot seat, especially after his recent very poor performances, but Sergio Pérez has obviously found the right arguments to convince Red Bull. His start to the season, where the Mexican fulfilled his mission perfectly with three doubles in four races and above all finally accepted that he could hope for nothing internally against Max Verstappen, undoubtedly worked in his favor to obtain a new extension at Red Bull. His financial background and the lack of real real opportunities on the transfer market could also have given him an advantage during discussions with Austrian pundits. In any case his argument was very good since he did not obtain an extension of one year but of two!

« I am very happy to commit again for the future with this team, rejoices Sergio Pérez. Riding for Red Bull is a unique challenge, both on and off the track. I am delighted to stay here to continue our adventure together and contribute to the great history of this team for two more years. Being part of the team is a huge challenge, which I love. We have a big challenge ahead of us this year and I have confidence in everyone. The future is bright and I can't wait to be a part of it »

Arriving at Red Bull in 2021, Checo achieved 3 pole positions, 5 victories and 26 additional podiums. Moreover, he won the hearts of many fans even when he was uncompromising when defending on Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi to allow his teammate Max Verstappen to get back on track. This had also earned him the greetings of the Dutchman but also the nickname Minister of Defense.

« We are very happy to continue our collaboration with Checo, recognize for his part, the main team Christian Horner who took the opportunity to remind us that Max Verstappen will be with Red Bull in 2025, just in case… Continuity and stability are important to the team and Checo and Max form a strong and successful duo, which helped the team achieve a championship double for the first time last year. » If Sergio Pérez's last performances were difficult, the Briton believes he has confidence in his driver to get back on track soon.

End of hopes for Ricciardo, Tsunoda… and Hadjar?

The extension of Sergio Pérez, whose seat was claimed by many drivers and particularly internally, does not appear to be good news for the other members of the fold. Daniel Ricciardo, of which it was said back in F1 to put pressure on the Mexican with the aim of getting his steering wheel back in 2025, will remain on the floor. same for me Yuki tsunoda, whose progress is real this season with very solid performances both in qualifying and in the race and very often in front of his RB teammate.

What about the Red Bull Junior Team? The horizon seems to be darkening for its residents. Liam Lawson, reserves of the two Red Bull group teams, could still remain on the sidelines for a little longer. For Isack Hadjar, sparkling in recent weeks in F2 and serious candidate for promotion to F1 in the event of a strong end of year, it could be the same thing especially since Peter Bayer, boss of RB, recently assured that the team was " very happy » with Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda and that they did not want to lose « time with discussions. » Unless things change in the coming months, this may not be very good for them.

ALSO READ > Pérez regrets failure to investigate Magnussen accident

Gonzalo Forbes

In charge of promotion formulas (F2, F3, FRECA, F4...). Carried by the grace of Franco Colapinto.

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Yves-Henri RANDIER

05/06/2024 at 10:58 a.m.

As he admitted that with equal machines, he will not beat the Batavian, Red Bull prefers to keep him for 2 years because he will not make history and in addition, he will be well involved in the 2026 project in case the Max would succumb to the sirens of Mercedes or Aston Martin Honda for 2026. A decision which signals the premature death of the Red Bull industry? Further proof that Formula 1 needs one or two additional teams at a time when gerontocracy is taking over the grid with more and more drivers in their forties or near their forties...

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