Sergio Perez extends Red Bull stay until 2026

Red Bull Racing's Sergio Perez signed a new contract extension with the reigning champions until the end of the 2026 Formula One season - on Tuesday.

Perez had a contract that was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season but now his stay has been extended for a further two years.

The 34-year old made his debut for Red Bull in 2021 partnering Max Verstappen. Verstappen has had Perez as his teammate for each of his three world titles in his career so far.

It was announced by Red Bull Racing via social media on Tuesday evening, UK time.

Speaking to the Red Bull Racing via their website, Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner said: Continuity and stability are important for the Team and both Checo [Perez] and Max are a successful and robust partnership, securing our first ever one-two finish for the Team in the Championship last year. Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then his podium in China. "

He later continued: "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.”

There had been rumours of Perez potentially being switched from the seat at Red Bull last season due to a 2023 campaign where he looked like he was lacking confidence for large parts, being way behind his teammate in terms of pace. 

However, Red Bull have stuck by their man and that support had been well repaid, as that year Perez would finish second in the standings and be one of only two other drivers beside Verstappen to win a Grand Prix that season.

Since joining the team, Perez has won five times and managed to achieve 29 podiums and contributed a part to Red Bull's 2022 and 2023 Constructors Championships.

On his contract, Perez shared his thoughts via the team's website. He said: "I am really happy to commit my future to this great Team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track. I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this Team’s great history for two more years."

Perez will be hoping to bounce back after a couple of difficult rounds in Imola and the latest race in Monaco, where he retired in a big shunt - involving both Haas drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg. 

Free Practice 1 gets underway to begin the Canadian Grand Prix weekend on June 7.
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Brandon Whiteside
​Writer @ f1journal.co.uk