Max Verstappen has responded to the news that Sergio Perez will remain his teammate for the next two Formula 1 seasons.
Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Red Bull announced Perez’s contract extension, which will keep him with the team through the 2025 and 2026 campaigns.
Perez’s struggling form last season had fueled speculation that he might be dropped when his deal expired at the end of 2024. However, Red Bull has chosen to retain the 34-year-old, continuing the partnership between Verstappen and Perez that began in 2021.
“It is great news that Checo has signed with the team until 2026 and I am glad to be able to continue with the successful partnership that we have created over the past few years,” Verstappen said.
“We achieved a record-breaking season last year and the team is very strong, so we are looking forward to building on this success into the next two years as well.” Red Bull enters the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend aiming to rebound from a challenging event in Monaco.
Verstappen qualified and finished sixth in Monaco, while Perez, starting from a low position, was eliminated following a major crash on the opening lap.
“Following a more difficult weekend in Monaco, this week I have been with the team back at the factory and in the sim preparing for the Canadian Grand Prix,” Verstappen said.
“The track there is very unique, has some old-school kerbs, and there are plenty of opportunities for overtaking.
“It is even more important to have a good set-up of the car and find a balance between the straight-line speeds as well as good stability under braking.
“It is always good to be back racing in Montreal; the scenery is one of a kind, the atmosphere in the city is great, and the fans are very passionate.”