Red Bull were uncharacteristically undeveloped last year, failing to introduce significant solutions to the RB20. Thanks to McLaren’s unforced errors and moments of brilliance from Verstappen, they managed to clinch the drivers’ crown.

Helmut Marko admits Sergio Perez's exit cost Red Bull millions amid reports they took so long to sack him because of the money factor

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that it cost several million to cancel the deal it had with Sergio Perez to drive for the team in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Perez will not be on the grid this season amid the news last month that Red Bull had elected to drop him and promoted Liam Lawson to partner with Max Verstappen.

Formula One season hasn't been kind to Red Bull, and the departure of Sergio Perez after four seasons marks a big change in the team. Max Verstappen, Perez's teammate, has been vocal about supporting Perez amid criticisms of his performance.

Liam Lawson is expected to be within three tenths of a second of Max Verstappen in F1 2025, according to Helmut Marko. Lawson steps up to Red Bull Racing from Racing Bulls in F1 2025, having only competed in 11 races in Formula 1 over the course of the last two seasons.

Red Bull Racing is grappling with an enormous financial burden following the decision to part ways with Sergio Perez.