Christian Horner says he did ‘everything’ for Checo to stay

ByDavid Mitchell
Copiar enlace

Horner believes that Checo Pérez needs some time to be with his family and then decide if he wants to return to F1 or race in another category.

Christian Horner said that Red Bull tried “everything” to save the race Sergio Perez in Formula 1 with the team and believes the Mexican driver will benefit from time away from the sport.

On Wednesday, Red Bull and Pérez confirmed the departure of the Mexican who will not be with them from 2025.

The team leader said the decision was inevitable.

“It’s been the culmination of things,” Horner told AM850. “Checo started the season very strong, four podiums in five races. It felt like I had started where I left off last year.

“But really since Monte Carlo, from that race onwards, it has been a very hard year for him and we have tried everything with him and supporting him I think he has come to his own conclusion that now is the right time to take a step away from Formula 1 to take a little time.”

Liam Lawson is expected to be named Max Verstappen’s teammate in the coming days.

Pérez is free to explore any other opportunity that the market presents in F1 or any other category, but at the moment there are no seats available for 2025 in the Great Circus.

“I think the important thing for Checo is to take a little time and spend it with his family,” Horner added. “He’s been in the job for a long time and he’s thinking about whether he wants to do it, whether he wants to stay in Formula 1 or maybe look at other categories, maybe sports cars or something like that.”

“But I think first and foremost he needs to take some time and see how much he misses driving a Grand Prix car, and only then can he decide what he wants for the future.”

Pérez has competed in Formula 1 since his rookie season with Sauber in 2011, before spells at McLaren, Force India, then Racing Point.

His victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix prompted his move to Red Bull for the 2021 season, where he played a key role in helping Max Verstappen win the drivers’ championship.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.