Perez targets prolonging Red Bull tenure beyond 2026

Sergio Perez isn't just happy about securing his future with Red Bull, he sees it as another steppingstone to an even longer tenure with the team with which he hopes to conclude his career in F1.

Red Bull announced earlier this week that it had agreed to a two-year extension to the Mexican’s current contract, which will now run until the end of 2026.

This news comes after a period of uncertainty for Perez. Recent struggles, with only four points scored in the last two races, had placed his future under scrutiny.

However, Perez revealed that contract negotiations with Red Bull were smooth once both sides recognized the mutual benefit of an extension.

“Well, I obviously feel happy once you get an agreement,” Perez told the media in Montreal on Thursday.

“It obviously means that both parties are happy with what we got, and I’m happy to move forward.

• Read also: Red Bull confirms Perez contract extension until 2026

“Obviously, we’ve got great targets ahead of us. Red Bull is a team that really takes everything out of you.

“It’s something that since I came here, the amount of how intense everything is, on track, off track, and it’s a challenge that you don’t have anywhere else.

“I haven’t had such a challenge in my career, so when I sign, I’m really up for it and willing to give my 100%. It was just a very straightforward negotiation.

“Obviously, I’ve been in the team for a few years already, so it’s always, I think, when you are already there, it’s a lot easier to reach an agreement.”

Asked whether his new deal – which will end when he’s 37 – would be his last, Perez referenced the longevity of several of his rivals, suggesting he’ll still have plenty to offer.

“Well, certainly when you look at Fernando [Alonso] or even Lewis [Hamilton], there’s a long way to go,” he said. “But I think I didn’t sign my last contract. I don’t think I’ve done that.

“I don’t think it’s something that you feel, because when you commit to two years in Formula 1, it’s a lot of time, a lot of energy, and it’s a long way down the line.

“So to be honest, I don’t really think about that. But what I’m pretty sure about is that I want to finish my career here.”

The six-time Grand Prix winner admitted that his prime objective was always to secure his future with Red Bull despite the existence of several alternatives.

“There were other options out there, but for me, my plan A, B and C was definitely to stay at Red Bull,” he said. “I really want to finish my career here, wherever that is.

“It’s a team that has given me so much into my career that I’m just really happy. I just want to give my best to this team, till my last lap.”

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