Perez reveals 'two opportunities' to leave Red Bull

Sergio Perez has revealed he had “two opportunities” to depart Red Bull and join another team for the 2025 campaign.

Perez's future within the Red Bull squad has come under major scrutiny amid a difficult season for the Mexican driver.

He last stood on the podium in China earlier this year and has slipped to eighth in the drivers' championship, while team-mate Max Verstappen sits on the verge of a fourth F1 title.

Red Bull has dropped to third in the constructors' standings, with team principal Christian Horner issuing numerous calls to Perez to improve his form.

Perez signed an extension with Red Bull earlier this year - but disclosed he had the chance to change teams.

“I had an opportunity, two opportunities, to change teams,” he told GQ. “When I looked at it, I thought, I really love the challenge I have at Red Bull.

“It’s a massive challenge being Max’s team-mate. It’s a challenge that basically trains you for all of it.”

Various drivers, including Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto, have been linked to Perez's drive for next year.

However, the 34-year-old has played down the significance of the rumours, insisting they are part and parcel of F1.

“It’s how the sport is. You have one, two bad races, a lot of negative talk about you and so on,” Perez said. 

“But it’s also something in the culture of the team as well – with Red Bull. The surrounding talk, the contract talks and so on. It’s just part of the game.”