Horner reveals that a possible Perez demotion to VCARB 'wasn't discussed'

Christian Horner claims that a VCARB seat was never an option for the recently Red Bull axed Sergio Perez. The Mexican will not be on the grid in the 2025 season after a disappointing 2024 in which he finished eighth in the Drivers' standings, almost 300 points off of teammate and world champion Max Verstappen. Christian Horner was asked if a demotion to sister team Visa Cash App RB was ever an option for Perez.

Moving drivers back from the main team to the sister team is something Red Bull Racing has done before. For example, Pierre Gasly made his debut at Red Bull but was demoted back to Toro Rosso after a disappointing start to his 2019 season.

Was the second VCARB seat an option for Perez?

There were no other vacant seats for the Mexican on the F1 grid other than the second VCARB seat. Red Bull team boss, Horner, told Sky Sports that the sister team was not an option for Perez, who started his F1 career with Sauber in 2011.

"I think at the stage that Checo's at in his career, that wouldn't really have been an option for him. It was nothing that we really ever discussed or didn't discuss or even talk about. So, yes, he's come to this decision now, and obviously, we support it fully," Horner explained.

Liam Lawson will replace Perez at Red Bull, with F2 title runner up Isack Hadjar taking the vacant VCARB seat.

This article was written in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden

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