The 2025 season of Formula 1 will be marked by the absence of Sergio "Checo" Pérez, who decided to terminate his contract with Red Bull after four successful seasons, including a world championship runner-up in 2023. Following Pérez's departure, the Austrian team has appointed Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen's teammate, who had spent six months with the sister team, RB.
Recently, images have emerged showing Max Verstappen with a subdued expression before the presentation of the cars for the 2025 season, leading fans to speculate whether the Dutchman misses Checo Pérez, a key figure in his first title conquest in 2021. Comments like "He looks down, they've taken away his love" and "They've dimmed my boy's shine" have fueled these rumors.
The rumors intensified when Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson arrived together at the Formula 1 car presentation, with Verstappen appearing somewhat serious during the event. During his time at Red Bull, Checo Pérez achieved a total of 29 podiums, including five victories, and was instrumental in securing Max Verstappen's first title, earning the nickname "Minister of Defense."
