Sergio Perez Signs Two-Year Contract Extension With Red Bull Racing
Red Bull Racing announced on Tuesday that Sergio Pérez had signed a contract extension, keeping him with the team until 2026. Despite having several competitive options, including Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, Red Bull opted for Pérez, valuing his reliability and positive rapport within the team. Initially thought to be offered a one-plus-one deal, Pérez secured a firm two-year contract, a testament to his performance and standing within the team. His strong relationship with teammate Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing staff has been a key factor in securing this extension, especially during a challenging year marked by off-track issues such as the investigation into Christian Horner's conduct and the impending departure of design chief Adrian Newey. Pérez's six race wins and consistent performances have made him an asset, further solidifying Red Bull Racing's lineup for the near future.
Within the inner workings of Red Bull Racing, a racket of discussions has arisen, touching upon various aspects of the team's future. One of the central themes revolves around the tenure of Max Verstappen, with lingering doubts about the superstar's commitment to seeing out his contract until 2028. The recent contract extension of Sergio Pérez could potentially expedite decisions regarding the future of Carlos Sainz. Sainz, currently driving for Ferrari, has been postponing his commitment to either Williams or Audi, especially with the latter taking control of Sauber ahead of a complete rebrand in 2026, preferring to wait until the Red Bull Racing option is definitively off the table. Meanwhile, the trajectory of Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda remains uncertain, although his stellar form this year has undoubtedly placed him high on the wish list for teams such as Alpine and Audi, who are closely monitoring his performance.
Verstappen is expected to remain with Red Bull Racing through 2025, but the possibility of his departure in 2026 remains open. While his contract technically extends to the end of 2028, sources suggest that Verstappen has a contractual mechanism allowing him to leave at his discretion. Adrian Newey, previously committed to Red Bull until the end of 2025, is now rumored to be free to join another team as early as March next year. This timing would enable him to play a significant role in designing their car for the new engine and chassis regulations set to come into effect in 2026. With numerous decisions looming within the Red Bull Racing circle, the Formula 1 community is beginning to witness the initial stages of this unfolding journey.
