The Mexican Sergio Pérez will race for Red Bull until 2026 after signing a two-year extension to his contract, the Formula One champions announced on Tuesday.
Perez, The 34-year-old finished second overall last season to his teammate Max Verstappentriple world champion, the first time the team achieved a double, but is currently fifth after eight races.
The announcement, ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal this weekend, silenced speculation about who would accompany Verstappen next year.
It also ended the Australian’s hopes Daniel Ricciardo to return to the senior team, after returning with the sister team RB, and closed another door to Carlos Sainz from Ferrari, which is looking for a seat by 2025.
Perez, who joined the team at the end of 2020, said racing for Red Bull was “a challenge like no other” both on and off the track.
“I am very happy to commit my future to this great team”“Czech” said. “I am delighted to stay to continue our journey together and contribute to the great history of this team for two more years. Being part of the team It’s an immense challenge and I love it..”
“We have a big challenge this year and I have full confidence in the entire team that the future is bright here and I’m excited to be a part of it,” he added.
Formula 1 engine rules will change in 2026, when Red Bull will build its own powertrain and begin a new partnership with Ford.
Red Bull enjoyed the most dominant season in the history of sprint sport last year, winning 21 of 22 races and Verstappen He triumphed in 19 of them.
Verstappen has won five races so far this year, but Red Bull has been embroiled in a controversy with team boss, Christian Hornercleared of allegations of misconduct, which he denied, towards an employee.
Horner has also faced opposition from the father of Verstappen, Jos, who said in March that Red Bull would “explode” if the boss stayed, while divisions have emerged among the team’s shareholders.
The star designer Adrian Newey He also announced last month that he would be leaving next year.
“Now is an important time to confirm our 2025 lineup and we are very pleased to continue working alongside Checo,” said Horner, who stressed the importance of continuity and stability.
“The last few races have been difficult, there is convergence on the grid, but we have confidence in Checo and hope he returns to his proven form and performance, which we see so often.”
“Last year was a unicorn season and we will have to work hard to retain our titles, but we are confident in our lineup and the team as a whole, which is imperative in what is shaping up to be a close championship this year,” he added.
Perez, winner of six grands prix in his Formula 1 career, he has so far finished second three times this season and third in China. He crashed in the last competition in Monaco.
Source: Ambito
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