Perez relishing Red Bull 'challenge' after fresh contract

Sergio Perez has labelled being part of Red Bull as an "immense challenge" that he "loves" after signing a fresh two-year deal with the team. 

Perez's contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, but after negotiations with Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, he will be staying on for the '25 and '26 seasons. 

It means he will partner Max Verstappen for at least the 2025 season, although the long-term future of the world champion is far from certain, with Mercedes keen to sign him in the future.

During his time at Red Bull, Perez has scored five of his six grand prix wins and scored a career-best second in the 2023 Drivers' championship - and is relishing the challenge before him.

"I am really happy to commit my future to this great team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track," he said.

"I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this team’s great history for two more years. 

"Being part of the team is an immense challenge, and one I love. We have a great challenge this year and I have full trust in the whole team that the future is bright here and I am excited to be part of it."

Perez has struggled at times in his Red Bull career, chiefly after the 2023 Miami Grand Prix, where he started on pole and Verstappen was only ninth. 

Verstappen came through to win that race, passing Perez, whose form never truly recovered, including a trudge around Europe which started with a crash in qualifying in Monaco. 

His last win was the 2023 Azerbaijan GP, 14 months ago - as he vowed to repay the faith shown in him.

"I want to thank everyone for all the trust they are putting in me, it is a lot and I want to pay it back with excellent results on track, and off track," he said.

"I think we have a lot of work to do, we have a lot more championships to win together."

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