It's been clear for some time that Sergio Pérez wouldn't be honoring his contract due to his extremely weak performance, which wasn't up to par with the Red Bull Racing team. Due to much speculation and considerable external pressure, Pérez officially announced today: he's leaving Red Bull!
After a long and confusing wait, what had to happen in these cases finally happened. However, it wasn't the team that announced the departure, but Sergio Pérez, who issued a statement:
"I'm incredibly grateful for the past four seasons and for the opportunity to race with such a wonderful team. It was an experience driving a Red Bull, and I will always cherish our shared achievements.
We set records, achieved milestones together, and along the way I had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people. I am so grateful to every member of the team, from management to the engineers, mechanics, hospitality staff, chefs, and everyone working in the marketing and communications department. I wish them every success in the future!
It was also a true honor for me to have been Max's teammate and to have shared his successes. I want to express a special thanks to the fans, especially the Mexican fans, who believed in me and supported me unconditionally every day. "We'll see you again soon, but in the meantime, don't forget... never give up!" Pérez signed off, thus closing an era in Red Bull's life.
