Horner: Perez made decision to leave Red Bull early

Christian Horner says it was Sergio Perez's decision to leave Red Bull after four seasons with the team.

After a strong start to the 2024 season, the 34-year-old struggled in the latter stages, scoring just nine points in the last eight Grand Prix weekends.

Last week, it was agreed that his contract, which he had signed in June and ran until the end of 2026, would terminate early, with Liam Lawson coming in to replace him next season.

Despite his disappointing season, Horner insists it was Perez who came to the conclusion that he would take some time out after a Formula One career which began in 2011 and spanned 14 seasons.

Horner said: "Checo, he's been a fantastic member of this team. It's been a tough year for him, but he's a great person and, of course, [he] played such a key role in the '21 drivers' championship, '22 and '23 constructors'.

"He was second in the drivers' world championship last year, he's won five Grands Prix in our cars. But he reflected after the season, and we sat down and discussed it last week about what are the next steps, and he's decided that he's going to take a bit of time out.

"We're sad to see him leave the team, but obviously, it's time for him to spend with his young family as well and reflect on what he wants to do for the future."

"From the moment Checo joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary Team player, helping us to two Constructors’ titles. "He will always be an extremely popular Team member and a treasured part of our history. Thank you, Checo."

— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) December 18, 2024

Perez ended the 2024 season eighth in the championship, 285 points adrift of world championship-winning teammate Max Verstappen, while Red Bull lost out in the constructors' championship, finishing third behind Ferrari and winners McLaren.

Horner believes the huge points difference between Perez and Verstappen may have had an effect on the Mexican's confidence, while admitting that his poor form was detrimental to how Red Bell fared in the constructors' battle.

“Of course, the car became more narrow in its performance window, and he struggled with that compared to Max," Horner added.

"But obviously [with] such an enormous gulf in points difference between the two drivers, he was struggling with that, and that, of course, then puts more pressure on him and the harder you try sometimes the slower you go, and it became almost like a vicious circle for him.

"It's been a hugely frustrating campaign for him, and of course, that's hurt us quite badly in the constructors' championship."

The Red Bull team principal also rubbished claims Perez might join sister team RB in a move which already occurred with the likes of Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat when they were dropped by the team.

He said: "I think at the stage that Checo's at in his career that wouldn't really have been an option.

"For him, it was nothing that we really ever discussed, or we didn't discuss or even talk about. He's come to this decision now and, obviously, we support it fully."