Motor racing-Perez staying with Red Bull for two more years (updated)

Liberty Media

04/06/2024 18:16

* 
      Perez signs two year extension
    

        * 
      Horner emphasises continuity and stability
    

        * 
      Move closes door to Sainz, Ricciardo
    

  
 (Adds detail, quotes and background)
    By Alan Baldwin
       LONDON, June 4 (Reuters) - 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 Tuesday.
    Perez, 34, finished second overall to triple world champion
team mate Max Verstappen last season -- the first time the team
had landed a campaign one-two -- but is currently fifth after
eight races.
    The announcement ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in
Montreal this weekend silenced speculation about who would
partner Verstappen next year.
        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 at the end of 2020, said
racing for Red Bull was "a challenge like no other" both on and
off the track.
  
        "I am really happy to commit my future to this great
team," said 'Checo'.
  
        "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 new
partnership with Ford.
  
        Red Bull enjoyed the most dominant season in the sport's
history last year, winning 21 of 22 races and Verstappen
triumphant in 19.
  
        Verstappen has so far won five races this year 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
     also announced last month that he would be leaving next
year.
  
        "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.
  

 (Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Toby
Davis)
 ((alan.baldwin@thomsonreuters.com; +442075427933;))