Red Bull Racing has officially announced that Checo has committed his future to the team with a two-year extension to his existing contract.
The 34-year-old Mexican has 5 race wins with Red Bull including the Monaco GP win in 2022. Additionally, he also has 29 podium finishes, and three pole positions with the team. He was also dubbed as the “Mexican minister of defence” following his memorable contribution to Max Verstappen’s first World Championship in Abu Dhabi, in 2021.
Checo said: “I am really happy to commit my future to this great Team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track. I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this Team’s great history for two more years. Being part of the Team is an immense challenge, and one I love. We have a great challenge this year and I have full trust in the whole Team that the future is bright here and I am excited to be part of it. I want to thank everyone for all the trust they are putting in me, it is a lot and I want to pay it back with excellent results on track, and off track. I think we have a lot of work to do, we have a lot more Championships to win together.”
Since joining the Team at the end of 2020, Checo has enjoyed his most successful seasons in Formula One, finishing the 2023 season in second place in the Drivers’ Championship, the first time the Team had ever achieved a one-two finish in the Championship. Checo’s points tallies have contributed to two Constructors’ World Championships for Oracle Red Bull Racing, in 2022 and 2023.
CEO and Team Principal, Christian Horner said: “Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo. Continuity and stability are important for the Team and both Checo and Max are a successful and robust partnership, securing our first ever one-two finish for the Team in the Championship last year. Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then his podium in China. The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see. Last year was a unicorn season and we will need to work hard to retain our titles, but we are assured in our line up and with the Team as a whole, which is imperative in what is shaping up to be a close fought Championship this year.”
What does it mean for the transfer market?
A seat that was being targeted by Sainz is no longer available to him. Now for Sainz, the only options remain Williams or Audi. There is an interest from Alpine but that seems like a rare possibility.
This news also confirms that no one within the Red Bull outfit will get promoted to the senior team. This leaves Yuki in a decision making spot as he would feel he’s not being appreciated. He has had one of the strongest starts to a season in his career. There are also rumours about interest from Audi and Haas for Yuki. The silly season continues in the world of Formula 1.
