Sergio Perez staying with Red Bull for two more years

LONDON – Mexican Sergio Perez will race for Red Bull until 2026 after signing a two-year extension to his contract, the Formula One champions announced on June 4.

Perez, 34, finished second overall to three-time world champion teammate Max Verstappen in 2023 – the first time the team had landed a one-two campaign – but is currently fifth after eight races.

The announcement ahead of the June 7-9 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal silenced speculation about who would partner Verstappen in 2025.

It also ended Australian Daniel Ricciardo’s hopes of returning to the senior team after making a comeback with sister outfit RB, and closed another door to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who is looking for a seat for 2025.

Perez, who joined the team in 2021, said racing for Red Bull was “a challenge like no other” on and off the track.

“I am really happy to commit my future to this great team,” he said. “I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this team’s great history for two more years. Being part of the team is an immense challenge, and one I love.

“We have a great challenge this year and I have full trust in the whole team that the future is bright here and I am excited to be part of it.”

Formula One’s engine rules are changing in 2026, with Red Bull building their own powertrain and starting a partnership with Ford.

Red Bull enjoyed the most dominant season in the sport's history in 2023, winning 21 of 22 races and Verstappen triumphant in 19.

Verstappen has so far won five races in 2024 but Red Bull have been embroiled in controversy with team boss Christian Horner

cleared of allegations of misconduct

, which he denied, towards a female employee.

Horner has also

faced opposition from Verstappen’s father Jos

, who said in March that Red Bull would “explode” if the boss stayed, while divisions have emerged among the team’s shareholders. Star designer Adrian Newey announced in May that he would be leaving in 2025.

“Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo,” said Horner, who stressed the importance of continuity and stability.

“The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see,” added Horner.

“Last year was a unicorn season and we will need to work hard to retain our titles, but we are assured in our line-up and with the team as a whole, which is imperative in what is shaping up to be a close fought championship this year.”

Perez, winner of six races in his F1 career, has so far finished second three times this season and third in China. He crashed out of the last race in Monaco.

Meanwhile, Alpine’s Australian reserve Jack Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon in the first June 7 practice for the Canadian Grand Prix, the Renault-owned Formula One team said.

Alpine announced on June 3 that Ocon, who collided with teammate Pierre Gasly at the last race in Monaco and has a five-place grid penalty for Montreal, would be leaving the team at the end of the season.

Doohan, 21, is the son of five-time 500cc motorcycling world champion Mick and a possible replacement for the Frenchman.

The Australian has taken part in four F1 rookie free practice sessions, most recently in Abu Dhabi at the end of last season. REUTERS