Helmut Marko has confirmed that Red Bull spent a hefty sum to terminate Sergio Perez’s contract with the team, a year before its original term.
Perez and Red Bull announced earlier this month the Mexican’s departure from the Milton Keynes-based outfit after four seasons and a challenging 2024 campaign.
After a promising start with four podium finishes in the first five races, Perez's performance dropped significantly.
The six-time Grand Prix winner managed to score only 49 points in the final 18 races, ultimately finishing a lowly eighth in the Driver's standings, a massive 285 points behind his teammate and 2024 world champion Max Verstappen.
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The parting of ways between Red Bull and Perez, though, was far from simple, particularly due to the financial implications surrounding his one-plus-one contract extension for 2025, signed in June.
It was hoped at the time that the deal would help reignite Perez’s form, but instead, the 34-year-old’s performances continued to disappoint, ultimately leading to his exit from the team and his replacement by young gun Liam Lawson.
A Costly Farewell
Marko, known for his candidness, addressed the situation in an interview with Sport.de, where he revealed that the financial arrangement to end Perez’s contract was costly for the team.
When asked if the exit deal was expensive, Marko did not hold back. "Taking into account the contract, it is an agreement that is acceptable to both parties," he stated.
The interviewer pressed further, asking if the amount involved “several millions,” to which Marko responded, “We are talking about Formula 1 here, yes..."
Marko’s comments hint at the magnitude of the compensation involved in severing ties with Perez driver.
A Necessary Change
Reflecting on Perez's decline in performance, Marko admitted that the decision to part ways was not initially expected by the driver.
"Not at first, because he has always hoped to find his old form again," he explained. "After all, he has won five grands prix with us and was once vice-champion."
However, despite Perez's earlier successes, Marko stated that it became clear that a resurgence was unlikely.
"He did not find that form again and then it was judged that in this environment that resurgence is not going to come either and that a farewell was best," he added.
"That also immediately opens up plenty of possibilities for the future."
Marko’s remarks point to the broader context of Red Bull’s decision to make a change, signaling a shift towards securing the long-term future of the team.
With Lawson now promoted from his role as a reserve driver, Red Bull hopes to regain a stronger balance alongside Verstappen, one that should benefit the teal as a whole in its bid to reclaim F1’s Constructors’ title.
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