Marko confirms millions spent on Perez exit deal

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Red Bull spent millions on Sergio Perez's exit deal from the Milton Keynes-based team. 

Last week, it was announced by Red Bull that the Mexican driver would depart after four seasons together, with Liam Lawson being promoted as his replacement. 

It was been a disappointing year for Perez, who had to settle for eighth in the F1 drivers' standings after scoring just 49 points across the final 18 races. 

Parting ways with Perez was made more complicated by his one-plus-one year deal, which was signed by the 34-year-old in June. 

Unfortunately, the new contract mid-season failed to spark Perez's performances, with a large fee having been paid to remove the driver.

Asked if Perez's exit was expensive, Marko told Sport.de: "Taking into account the contract, it is an agreement that is acceptable to both parties...."

The interviewer interjected: "So that does amount to several millions?"

Marko responded: "We are talking about Formula 1 here, yes..."

Perez rocked by exit

Perez had started 2024 strongly with four podiums in the opening five races; however, he failed to step on the podium again after finishing third in the Chinese Grand Prix. 

His troublesome campaign came on the back of being vice-champion last year, marking the first time Red Bull has finished first and second in the drivers' title.

It became evident this year that change is required at Red Bull, although Marko conceded that Perez did not see his exit coming.

"Not at first, because he has always hoped to find his old form again," revealed Marko. "After all, he has won five grands prix with us and was once vice-champion.

"However, 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. 

"That also immediately opens up plenty of possibilities for the future."