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Sergio "Checo" Perez had a promising start to the SE season, with four podium finishes in just five races, mirroring the successful trajectory of the previous year. However, the momentum shifted dramatically following the Monte Carlo race, setting off a string of difficulties for the driver throughout the remainder of the season.
Horner explained that after a series of challenges, both Perez and the team reached a consensus that he should step away from Formula 1 to take some personal time. This decision was not just about results but also about the personal well-being of a driver who has been a beloved member of the Red Bull family. Perez’s contributions to the team have been substantial; he won five Grand Prix races and finished second in the previous year's Drivers' Championship.