After 15 years in Formula 1, Sergio "Checo" Pérez is out of the grid, and according to Jimmy Morales, director of the Telmex Telcel team, this situation is due to Red Bull blocking the Mexican driver despite terminating his contract in 2024. In the podcast 'Formula 2', Morales revealed that Red Bull not only fired Pérez Mendoza but did so in a way that prevented another team from signing him, despite having multiple interested options for his services.
"We have privileged information, which we cannot make public by contract. He had to be in the team where he said he would not go. Being fair or unfair, internal pressures, Red Bull's advice... too many things involved. Our driver no longer felt comfortable there. You would ask yourself: 'Is it really worth being with you?'" commented Morales, highlighting the complications in the relationship between Pérez and Red Bull and the lack of comfort of the driver in the Austrian team.
Regarding a possible return of Checo to Formula 1, Morales noted that the driver does not need it financially, but if he decides to return, it will be out of his passion and hunger for triumph on the tracks. Despite his stable economic situation, if Pérez returns, it will be due to his desire to compete and shine again.
In the conversation, Morales also revealed that the relationship between Checo Pérez and Helmut Marko, an advisor to Red Bull, was complicated even before the Mexican joined the team. Despite the difficulties, Morales emphasizes that Pérez's decision not to continue with Red Bull may stem from the lack of a suitable environment in the Austrian team and internal disagreements.
"There are many interests inside. We have silenced him like the big ones," concluded Morales, highlighting the firm stance regarding the circumstances surrounding Checo Pérez's departure from Red Bull, despite the pressures and internal complications within the team.
