Formula 1: Longest Driver Pairings As Sergio Perez Extends Red Bull Contract Ahead of Canadian GP

• The Formula 1 circus rolls on to Montreal for round nine of the 2024 season with launch of the Canadian Grand Prix
• Red Bull Racing are in the spotlight after the announcement of the contract extension of veteran driver, Sergio Perez
• Sports Brief spotlights the longest-running driver pairings in the sport's history following Checo's Red Bull extension

Red Bull Racing has made the biggest headline in the lead-up to the Canadian Grand Prix with the announcement of a contract extension for Sergio Perez.

The Mexican driver, who has been with the Milton Keynes team since the start of the 2021 season, has had his contract extended for another two years until the end of 2026.

The announcement by Red Bull means Perez and Max Verstappen will be the longest-serving driver lineup for the Austrian team, eclipsing the record set by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, who were teammates for five years between 2009 and 2013, according to data courtesy of RaceFans.net.

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Following this announcement, Sports Brief takes a peek at a list of some of the longest driver pairings in Formula 1's long history.

Longest driver pairing in Formula 1 history

Verstappen and Perez – 138 races

The Red Bull duo will become the longest-serving driver partnership in the history of the sport if both parties remain teammates until the end of the 2026 season.

The harmonious relationship between Checo, as he is fondly called, and Verstappen has been integral to extending the Mexican's contract. Red Bull have struggled in recent years to find a fitting driver to partner with the Dutchman since his venture into the team at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

Schumacher and Barrichello – 104 races

Michael Schumacher's pairing with Rubens Barrichello follows closely in second on the list of longest teammate pairings in Formula 1.

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The German and Brazilian were teammates during the golden years of Scuderia Ferrari between 2000 and 2005, racking up five drivers' championships and constructors' championships during their time at the Maranello outfit.

Hamilton and Bottas – 100 races

The duo of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas follows closely in the ranking of longest-serving driver pairings in Formula 1.

They were together at Mercedes for five seasons and competed in 100 Grands Prix together.

During their stint at the Brackley team, Bottas witnessed Hamilton win the drivers' championship four times, setting the benchmark for race victories and pole positions in the sport's history.

Hakkinen and Coulthard – 99 races

Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard wrap up our list of longest-serving driver pairings in Formula 1. The duo had an unforgettable 99 races together at McLaren.

Motorsport Magazine recalled Coulthard stressing that despite being teammates, there was basically only a work understanding between both parties, and they couldn't even travel on a plane to Grands Prix together.

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The pair, however, grew fond of one another and went on to be teammates between 1996 and 2001. During that time, Hakkinen would claim the 1999 drivers' championship crown.

Canadian Grand Prix preview

Sports Brief also previous compiled an extensive preview and prediction of the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix.

Red Bull hopes to widen the gap to other challengers after experiencing an underwhelming race in Monaco.