Verstappen issues emotional statement as Red Bull exit made official

Max Verstappen has issued an emotional statement following Sergio Perez’s Red Bull exit.

The Mexican star will not feature on the Formula 1 grid in 2025 after he announced his exit from the team following a woeful 2024 season.

F1 HEADLINES: Hamilton Ferrari RISK revealed as Mercedes announce astonishing driver U-Turn

READ MORE: Mercedes announce STUNNING driver comeback in astonishing F1 U-Turn

Perez’s failure to deliver consistently for Red Bull cost them in the constructors’ championship, where they placed third despite Verstappen’s stunning victory in the drivers’ championship.

Liam Lawson has since been confirmed as Perez’s replacement at Red Bull for 2025.

Verstappen responds to Perez Red Bull axe

While Perez’s 2024 season may have overshadowed his F1 career, he will always be remembered for the instrumental role he played in Red Bull’s championship success over the years.

The Mexican aided Red Bull to their constructors’ trophies in 2022 and 2023, and even placed second overall in the latter season.

Perez has also acquired five grands prix wins with the team since he joined in 2021, including one of the most prestigious victories an F1 driver can secure at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Perez may not have been the fastest team-mate against Verstappen, but the driver pairing has been largely harmonious for Red Bull and ensured the Dutchman could claim four consecutive world titles.

Following the announcement that Perez would be leaving Red Bull, Verstappen issued an emotional statement and thanked his former team-mate for their partnership over the years.

"It’s been an absolute pleasure driving alongside you," Verstappen wrote on his Instagram page.

"We’ve had some amazing moments together that I’ll always remember.

"Thank you, Checo!"

READ MORE: Horner issues statement following official Red Bull exit

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Max Verstappen (@maxverstappen1)

READ MORE: McLaren announce KEY departure as team chief issues statement

Related

Breaking F1 News

Verstappen F1 team-mate CONFIRMED as Red Bull announce major driver signing

• Yesterday 11:19

Max Verstappen

Shock early Verstappen RETIREMENT claim issued

• December 18, 2024 20:00