The rumors have been put to mattress and it is official. Checo Perez has renewed his contract with Pink Bull. The announcement was made by the vitality drinks group on Tuesday in an announcement confirming the Mexican driver has prolonged his contract for 2 extra seasons, protecting him up till the top of the 2026 season.
Checo was as a consequence of see his contract with the Milton Keynes-based group finish on the finish of this marketing campaign.Particularly, the contract would have ended after the Abu Dhabi race and, whereas he could have had presents from elsewhere, this was the most suitable choice.
Perez is extending his take care of the reigning world champions, and he does so after claiming 5 victories and 29 podiums since his arrival in 2021, taking part in a key position within the first championship Max Verstappen received.
He was at all times the primary alternative
Within the nearly 4 years he has spent with the Austrian firm, Perez has had ups and downs, however he has met the expectations that have been requested of him, vying to be one of the best after Max Verstappen, conscious that matching the Dutchman could be very tough.
In 2022, he was third within the drivers’ world championship and in 2023 he was the runner-up. This 12 months, he began in good type and the whole lot appeared to point that Helmut Marko and Christian Horner have been proud of him, given they mentioned he was “their first alternative”, even when they talked to different drivers.
With this official announcement, one of many cleaning soap operas of this early foolish season involves an in depth, and names like Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz won’t be taking Perez’s seat subsequent 12 months, except there’s a historic twist of script and Max Verstappen leaves the group to hitch Mercedes, which proper now appears unlikely.
Checo is a elementary piece for the competitors. He has an simple pull. The truth is, he is among the drivers who attracts probably the most followers – to not point out the sponsorships he attracts.
The Mexican was joyful after his contract extension with Pink Bull turned official. “I’m very joyful to commit my future with this nice group. It is a problem like no different to race with Pink Bull. I’m delighted to remain right here to proceed our journey collectively and contribute to the good historical past of this group for 2 extra years,” he mentioned.
Perez added: “Being a part of the group is a large problem, and one which I like. This 12 months we’ve an ideal problem and I’ve full confidence in the entire group, that the long run is vivid right here and I’m excited to be a part of it. I need to thank everybody for the belief they place in me, it’s a lot and I need to repay them with glorious outcomes on and off the observe. There’s a variety of work to do and lots of championships to win collectively.”
Not touching what works
Christian Horner, head of the Milton Keynes-based group, has emphasised how essential it’s to withstand messing with what already works. “We’re very joyful to proceed working along with Checo. Continuity and stability are essential for the group. Checo and Max type a profitable and sturdy partnership,” he mentioned in an announcement of his personal.
He then regarded to the current, including: “Checo has had begin to 2024 together with his second locations in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and his podium in China. The previous few races have been powerful, however we’ve confidence in Checo and hope he’ll regain the efficiency we so typically see from him.”
Horner closed his assertion with a message of optimism. He concluded: “Final 12 months was a unicorn season and we must work arduous to retain our titles, however we’re assured in our line-up and within the group as a complete, which is crucial in a championship that’s shaping as much as be very shut this 12 months.”
