Sergio Perez is to go away Purple Bull two years earlier than the tip of his contract after reaching a termination settlement with the staff.
The transfer comes after a weak season for the Mexican, who didn’t win a race and completed on the rostrum solely 4 occasions as team-mate Max Verstappen received his fourth world title.
Perez, who has primarily been sacked, stated: “I am extremely grateful for the previous 4 years with Purple Bull Racing and for the chance to race with such a tremendous staff.
“Driving for Purple Bull has been an unforgettable expertise and I will at all times cherish the successes we achieved collectively.”
Perez, 34, is anticipated to get replaced by 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson, in a promotion from the sister Racing Bulls staff.
Lawson, who drove six races on the finish of 2024 and 5 throughout 2023, is alleged to have been instructed he can be promoted earlier than the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Frenchman Isack Hadjar, who completed second in System 2 this season, is anticipated to hitch Racing Bulls alongside Japanese Yuki Tsunoda, who has been neglected by Purple Bull for a seat within the senior staff.
In Abu Dhabi, Perez expressed his concern for an inexperienced driver being put in alongside Verstappen.
“Being team-mates with Max at Purple Bull as a younger driver, I would not prefer to be in these sneakers, if I am sincere,” Perez stated.
“Folks can’t underestimate the extent of problem that there’s on this seat.”
Though Purple Bull had already determined to ditch Perez, he was reluctant to go away and his administration sought the absolute best compensation settlement earlier than acquiescing.
The staff stated “bulletins concerning the staff’s full 2025 line-up shall be made in the end”.
Purple Bull staff principal Christian Horner added: “I want to thank Checo [Perez] for all he has performed for Purple Bull Racing over the previous 4 seasons.
“From the second he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be a rare staff participant, serving to us to 2 constructors’ titles and to our first one-two end within the drivers’ championship.
“Whereas Checo is not going to race for the staff subsequent season, he’ll at all times be a particularly well-liked staff member and a treasured a part of our historical past.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you,” Verstappen posted on social media.
“We have had some wonderful moments collectively that I will at all times bear in mind.”
