Horner has his final say as Perez Red Bull era ends

Christian Horner has hailed Sergio Perez's impact on Red Bull after the Mexican driver announced his departure from the team.

In an amicable exit, Perez has left after four seasons at Red Bull, even though he had a contract for 2025 that was signed in early June.

But his form over the final 18 races last season, scoring a miserable 49 points, ultimately cost Red Bull its stranglehold on the constructors' championship. He left team principal Horner and advisor Helmut Marko with no choice but to negotiate their way out of that deal.

After considerable wrangling, Perez and Red Bull "have reached an agreement to part ways for 2025".

Reflecting on Perez's time with the team, Horner told Sky F1: “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, we sat down and discussed it last week about 'what are the next steps?'.

“He's decided he’s going to take a bit of time out, take a sabbatical from Formula 1 essentially.”

RB move not an option for Perez

Red Bull has not shone away from rotating drivers between its two teams, with Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo all racing for the sister squad after competing for Red Bull.

However, Horner asserted it was not an option for Perez.

“I think at the stage that Checo is at in his career, that wouldn't really have been an option for him,” he said.

“It was nothing that we really ever discussed or even talked about. So he's come to this decision now, and obviously, we support it fully.”

Despite the exit from a full-time racing position, Horner confirmed Perez will still be entangled with the team in some capacity.

“He’ll still be involved with the brand and the team but he's stepping back from driving duties moving forward,” Horner added.

“It was sad to see him leave the team. It's time for him to spend with his young family as well and reflect on what he wants to do for the future.”