Sergio Perez has opened up about his final exchange with Christian Horner after being replaced by Liam Lawson at Red Bull, highlighting his concerns over the team’s future driver choices. Speaking on the CRACKS PODCAST, the Mexican noted he foretold turmoil following the decision that would see him exit the team at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
Earlier in 2024, Red Bull, led by Horner, extended Perez’s contract. Despite this, a difficult season resulted in Perez finishing eighth in the drivers’ championship, prompting Red Bull to drop him in favor of the younger Liam Lawson for 2025. The move caused notable unrest within the F1 community, with many questioning if the shift could stabilize the team’s performance.
Driver Swaps Spark Further Uncertainty at Red Bull
Red Bull’s hopes for a smooth transition were quickly dashed when, after just two races in the 2025 season, Liam Lawson was also replaced. Yuki Tsunoda was chosen to step into the seat but by the season’s close, he too was removed, setting the stage for Isack Hadjar’s arrival in 2026. The rapid changes fueled debate over Red Bull’s strategy in managing its driver lineup and whether consistent results could be achieved amid such instability.
Perez, reflecting on these developments, recounted his pivotal conversation with Horner about the team’s shifting line-up:
“I asked him, ‘What are you going to do when it doesn’t work out with Liam (Lawson)?’ He replied, ‘Well, there’s Yuki (Tsunoda).’ I then asked, ‘What are you going to do when it doesn’t work out with Yuki?’ He said, ‘We don’t have many drivers.’ I told him, ‘Well, you’re going to use them all,’ and he said, ‘Yes, I know.'” — Sergio Perez, Former Red Bull Driver
For fans and analysts, Perez’s prediction seemed to materialize rapidly, as Red Bull cycled through its driver options. The saga cast a spotlight on Perez’s earlier tenure, making some view his achievements—five race wins and a runner-up finish in 2023—more favorably in comparison to the instability that followed his exit. After spending a year off the grid, Perez now prepares for a return to F1 with the Cadillac team, pairing up with Valtteri Bottas.
Personal Impact of Red Bull Exit on Perez and His Family
Discussing the personal consequences of leaving Red Bull, Perez shared how his departure deeply affected his eldest son, Sergio Jr. The emotional fallout has become a driving force behind Perez’s ambition to rejoin the F1 paddock, driven by a desire to inspire his children and make lasting memories together.
“I think that’s true for both of them, but Checo, my eldest son, was very hurt by how I left Red Bull, so he wanted me to come back. That was one of the main reasons I wanted to return, to really enjoy being with them, for them to see me race.” — Sergio Perez, Former Red Bull Driver
Perez now looks ahead, hoping to help the new Cadillac project emerge as a leading force in Formula 1. As the Mexican veteran returns to race alongside Valtteri Bottas, he is determined to leave his mark by guiding the team toward becoming a major contender before eventually retiring from the sport.
What the Shifting Lineup Means for Red Bull’s Future
The turbulent replacement process, beginning with Liam Lawson’s brief stint and continuing through Yuki Tsunoda’s quick dismissal, underscores Red Bull’s ongoing struggle for stability among its drivers. With Isack Hadjar lined up for 2026, all eyes are now on whether the team can find a long-term solution and recover the consistency they enjoyed during Perez’s era. The ongoing developments are certain to remain under scrutiny as Red Bull seeks to regain balance and rebuild its reputation within the grid.
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