In the vertiginous world of Formula 1, where decisions can change the course of a season, Christian Horner, chief of Red Bull Racing, has unleashed a whirlwind of speculation with his recent statements about the departure of Sergio “Checo” Pérez of the team. Within the framework of the Great Britain, Horner was blunt in responding to the statements of the Mexican pilot, who said that in the Austrian team there was a deep regret for having let him go. “Czech had a very difficult end of the year, if you remember, and I felt it was the right time to finish a good relationship. It is still a great friend of the team, everyone has a lot of love, but there is no regret for not having continued,” said Horner in an interview with Fox Sports Mexico.
The departure of Czech Pérez de Red Bull at the close of the 2024 season marked the end of a stage that had been key to the team. Since his arrival in 2021, the Pilot Tapatío contributed significantly to the successes of the team, including builders championships in 2022 and 2023, as well as his own runner Marko, to terminate his contract, which originally extended until 2026.
Horner’s words have generated a stir, especially after Pérez’s statements in the podcast “from the paddock”, where the Mexican said that a source close to the team had revealed a feeling of regret in Red Bull for his departure. “I know that in the background they are very regretful, I know it very good source,” said Pérez, suggesting that media pressure and hasty decisions could have influenced their departure. However, Horner insists that the decision was meditated and based on performance, discarding any remorse.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s current situation does not seem to support Horner’s confidence. The Austrian team, which has historically dominated the category, faces a complicated 2025 season, occupying the fourth place in the Builder Championship, behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes. After the departure of Pérez, Red Bull opted for Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda for the second seat, but the results have been disappointing, with just 10 points added in 11 races. This contrast has fed speculation about whether the team really made the right decision to dispense with an experienced pilot like Pérez.
For his part, Czech Pérez has not left with crossed hands. The Mexican has made it clear that he plans to return to the grill in 2026, with Cadillac and Alpine as the most likely options. Cadillac, who will debut in Formula 1 next year, see in Pérez an ideal figure to lead his project, thanks to his experience and charisma. In his statements, Pérez has shown maturity, ensuring that he does not hold a grudge towards Red Bull and that he does not expect an apology. “The sport is like that, and decisions were made under a lot of pressure,” he said, suggesting that his relationship with the team remains cordial, although a return seems unlikely.
The controversy between Horner and Pérez not only reflects the tensions of Formula 1, but also puts talent management in a sport where the pressure is relentless. While Red Bull struggles to recover his domain, Horner’s words sound like an attempt to close a chapter, but the shadow of Czech Pérez is still present. Can the Austrian team overcome their challenges without the Mexican? Or is it that, as Pérez hinted, repentance will arrive when they least expect it? For now, Pérez’s future points to new horizons, and fans cannot avoid wondering what would have happened if Red Bull had opted for continuity.
