Perez Proves Verstappen Isn’t Red Bull’s Only Star With Monaco Win

After 220 starts and 12 seasons in Formula One, Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez is breaking out — and being rewarded for it.

On Sunday, “Checo” won the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix — his third career win and first of the season — to move into third place in the driver standings. Red Bull responded Tuesday by giving the 32-year-old a contract extension through 2024.

While 24-year old teammate Max Verstappen continues to lead in points and make most of the headlines this season, Perez is sneaking up behind him — and RBR will continue to benefit from the competition.

• After finishing 18th at Bahrain to open the season, Perez has finished fourth or better in every race and secured four podiums — the most through seven races in his career.
• Checo’s reported $8M salary will likely unlock significant bonuses if he maintains or improves in the standings.
• F1 doesn’t disclose the exact distribution of winnings, but teams split 50% of the organization’s revenue based on the final standings — $2.1B in 2021.
• With 235 points, Red Bull holds a commanding lead.

Rivalry or not, Verstappen — the reigning world champion — hasn’t exactly relinquished his grip on team leadership.

After a third-place finish at Monaco, he paces the field with 125 points in the driver standings — though Perez (110) and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (116) are very much within striking distance.

The next opportunity for the teammates to duel will be June 12 in Azerbaijan.