P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that it cost several million to cancel the deal it had with Sergio Perez to drive for the team in the 2025 F1 season.
Red Bull decided to drop Sergio Perez from the grid this season, replacing him with Liam Lawson to team up with Max Verstappen. Perez struggled throughout the season, scoring only 21 points in the final 10 rounds and falling behind Verstappen by 285 points. Despite Verstappen winning the Drivers’ title, Perez’s performance led Red Bull to third place in the Constructors’ Championship. Although Perez’s departure was inevitable, Red Bull’s decision to extend his contract until 2026 made his exit costly for the team. Looking ahead, Perez may aim for a return to F1 in 2026 under the new technical regulations, as opportunities could arise for him as an experienced driver.
