Red Bull F1 sack Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson rumoured to partner ...

Red Bull has officially cut ties with Mexican driver Sergio Perez, potentially paving the way for New Zealand youngster Liam Lawson to partner world champion Max Verstappen.

Perez's sacking had been rumoured for some time, with Red Bull making the announcement they will end the Mexican driver's time with the team a year early.

After joining the team at the start of the 2021 season, Perez enjoyed some brilliant moments with the team.

He won five races, helped the team to back-to-back constructors' championships in 2022 and 2023, and finished a career-best second in the drivers' championship in 2023.

But a disastrous 2024 campaign ultimately led to his dismissal.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the past four years with Oracle Red Bull Racing and for the opportunity to race with such an amazing team," Perez said in a statement.

"Driving for Red Bull has been an unforgettable experience and I'll always cherish the successes we achieved together.

"We broke records, reached remarkable milestones, and I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people along the way."

While teammate Verstappen claimed the drivers' championship, Perez struggled in the midfield for most of the season and placed eighth.

It was the lowest championship finish for a teammate of the world champions since Max's father Jos was eighth in 1994 as Michael Schumacher's partner for Benetton.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised the Mexican for his assistance in helping the team return to the top of F1.

"I would like to thank Checo for all he has done for Oracle Red Bull Racing over the past four seasons," Horner said.

"From the moment he joined in 2021 he proved himself to be an extraordinary team player, helping us to two constructors' titles and to our first 1-2 finish in the drivers' championship.

"His five wins, all on street circuits, were also a spectacular mark of his determination to always push to the limit."

Red Bull said they will announce a teammate for Verstappen "in due course", however international media outlets have reported New Zealander Liam Lawson is favoured to take the seat.

Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo mid-season for RB, Red Bull's second team. 

Fellow RB driver Yuki Tsunoda is also a chance, having driven the Red Bull during an end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi.