This is how the British media has reacted to Perez's contract extension
F1 News
It's now confirmed that Sergio Perez will be staying at Red Bull until the end of 2026. The Mexican has achieved five Grand Prix wins and 29 podium finishes with the reigning world champions, and team boss Christian Horner said he is 'delighted' Perez will continue contributing to the team. The Mexican's recent on-track performance has not been stellar, so has Red Bull made the right decision? This is what the British media thought of Perez's contract extension.
Reaction from the British media:
The Sun call Perez's contract extension a 'stunning U-turn'. They believe that signing Perez despite his underperformance is surprising, but not a huge shock, as Christian Horner has said how important continuity and stability are for the team. Red Bull was linked with established academy driver Yuki Tsunoda as well as Carlos Sainz after it was announced he was leaving Ferrari. Red Bull has instead opted to stick with the Mexican for the next two years.
Red Bull stability is the most important factor
The Daily Mail also believe that Red Bull's desire for stability has kept Perez at the Milton Keynes base. Although he hasn't won a race since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April 2023, Perez is a 'robust' number two driver. The Mexican's continuing role 'represents a thread of stability after a turbulent few months off track at the world championship winning team', says the British outlet.
The BBC says Checo's recent performances haven't granted a contract extension, especially as Carlos Sainz is available on the driver market. 'He failed to step up when his team leader retired in Australia, where Sainz won for Ferrari, and could finish only third, behind Norris, in China, before his recent slump.' The internal turmoil at Red Bull, however, means the reigning world champions desire some solidity. Keeping Perez will give them this, especially after Adrian Newey's departure. It mustn't be forgotten that Max Verstappen was tempted to join Mercedes, too.
The Mirror says that Sergio Perez must step it up after a slump in his form in recent months. His multi-million-pound crash at the Monaco Grand Prix wouldn't have done himself or Red Bull any favours, either. 'Perez will be approaching his 37th birthday when he comes to the end of this latest Red Bull deal. And despite his at times patchy form in recent times, he insists he is up to the challenge of helping the team to continue its dominance of the sport.' The experienced Perez provides stability and loyalty to Red Bull, but whether or not he can continue competing with younger talents in Formula 1 remains to be seen.