Verstappen: Thank you Checo

Red Bull and Perez announced what has been known since the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Perez will not be racing for Red Bull in 2025.

Both the team and the driver took time to finalize the divorce sorting out the legal bits, as the latter has been given a two-year contract extension at the start of 2024, hoping he would be more at ease in the cockpit, not having to think about his future.

That plan, according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner, did not work, and Perez's performance went from bad to worse as the season progressed despite a strong start with four podiums in the first five races.

And thus Perez's Red Bull Racing career was over after four seasons, starting from the 2021 campaign when Verstappen bagged his maiden F1 title as the Mexican driver played a role holding up Lewis Hamilton at one stage of that year's season finale in Abu Dhabi, with the Dutchman going on to beat his rival on the final lap after a controversial Safety Car period.

That race in Abu Dhabi earned Perez the title minister of defense, and after that, he played the number two role to perfection despite becoming hotheaded at some point, claiming he was aiming for the championship, only for Verstappen to put him back in his place, which is exactly what happened after the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

That has not stopped Verstappen from pushing for Perez to remain as his teammate, publicly defending him, and once the split was announced, the four-time F1 champion paid tribute to his departing teammate.

Verstappen wrote on Instagram: "It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you. We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember. Thank you, Checo!"

Red Bull announced that Liam Lawson will replace Perez alongside Verstappen in 2025.