FILE - Red Bull driver Sergio Perez of Mexico arrives in the paddock before of the third free practice ahead of Sunday’s Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix auto race, at the Hungaroring racetrack in Mogyorod, near Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, July 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)

Everyone saw it coming from a mile away, but now it’s official: Red Bull Racing confirmed that Sergio Perez will not be racing for the team during the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Mexican racer spent four years at Red Bull and helped deliver the team’s 2022 and 2023 Constructors’ Championships,

Red Bull would have ‘lost respect’ for Sergio Perez due to the extent of his struggles in 2024, according to 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve. The Mexican was dropped for Liam Lawson after a miserable end to the year.

Red Bull Racing is grappling with an enormous financial burden following the decision to part ways with Sergio Perez.

Red Bull made a mistake in placing Liam Lawson alongside Max Verstappen for F1 2025, as they “need” Yuki Tsunoda in that role. That is the warning issued by F1 steward and former Sky F1 pundit Johnny Herbert,

Perez endured the worst season of his decorated F1 career in 2024, ending the year with just one top-nine finish in the final eight races. His disappointing points return cost Red Bull a shot at retaining the Constructors’ Championship title, forcing the team’s leadership to step in and make a change.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has hinted at future Formula 1 opportunities for axed star Sergio Perez. Following a dismal 2024 season, Perez has decided to take a 'sabbatical' from the sport, instead being replaced in his full-time seat with the team by New Zealander Liam Lawson.