Red Bull extends contract with Perez

Sergio Perez has signed a new deal extending his time with Red Bull by two years. The new deal will see him remain in the team until the end of 2026 season. 

Although the Mexican has had a somewhat subpar season so far, and has failed to win a race in over a year now, he remains the best choice to stick with, according to Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner who also emphasised the importance of stability and continuity that a Verstappen/Perez duo bring. 

Currently ranked at fifth place on the driver standings, Perez has scored three second-place finishes so far, which may seem impressive if it was any other driver in any other team. 

But the general consensus is that he has failed to provide the much needed support to three-time world champion, Max Verstappen, and this has cost the team some good points, shortening their lead on the constructor standings. 

Still, the team is quite confident in Perez bouncing back and improving his performance. As Horner said: “We are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance that we so often see.”

As for Perez, he’s expressed his joy over the contract extension and, much like Horner, is eager to see things improve. Perez has not outshone Verstappen in any season, but he has been a good teammate providing needed support for the team, sometimes even sacrificing to ensure Verstappen’s victory in a race. His team understands that his recent performance does not in any way define him and there’s a lot to expect from him as the season goes by. 

The decision to extend Perez’s contract means Red Bull will no longer pursue Carlos Sainz, who will be without a team at the end of the season when Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari. Before now, it was assumed that Red Bull would go in for Sainz, who earned Ferrari their first win of the season. 

But it seems like continuity is the order of the day at Red Bull and choosing Perez fits in with their long term vision.