As the Formula 1 world continues to evolve, Sergio Perez remains a key figure in the conversation despite stepping away from the grid at the end of 2024.
With the Cadillac F1 team preparing to join the sport in 2026, speculation has intensified around a potential return for the Mexican driver.
Now, in a candid interview with the official F1 website, Perez has not only addressed his future but also highlighted the difficulties of driving a Red Bull, a reality that has come into sharper focus following Liam Lawson’s struggles in the RB12.
Perez on the Challenge of Red Bull’s Car
Perez, who spent multiple seasons alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, has expressed his belief that many have underestimated just how difficult the team’s car is to handle. Now, following Lawson’s failure to get to grips with the bulls’ RB12, the perception is shifting.
“Especially last year, I didn’t get to show what I’m able to do as a driver. Now, all of a sudden, people realise how difficult the car is to drive,” Perez stated.
He went on to recall how other talented drivers before him had faced similar struggles, reinforcing the notion that the Red Bull machinery demands a unique adaptation.
“When I joined Red Bull, there had been great drivers who had struggled – Alex [Albon], Pierre [Gasly], they are fantastic drivers and they struggled. I spent so long in Red Bull that everyone forgot how difficult the car is to drive, so that was tricky.”
©RedBull
Lawson’s recent inability to extract top-tier performances from the RB12 has only served to highlight the difficulty, putting Perez’s past results into a new perspective.
As Cadillac F1 board of directors member Mario Andretti recently pointed out, “Liam Lawson is making Checo look very, very good.”
A Return to F1? Perez Weighs His Options
Despite stepping away from the grid, Perez is not ruling out a return under the right circumstances. The 34-year-old driver made it clear that his comeback would be contingent on finding a project that aligns with his values and ambitions.
“If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it,” he admitted.
However, Perez is not rushing into any decisions and is instead taking a measured approach to his next move.
“That’s why I’ve given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career.”
The former Red Bull driver also revealed that he has already been approached by multiple teams since his departure from the sport.
“There are a few very interesting projects out there. I’ve been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has started so a few things will open up in the coming months.”
Cadillac F1: A Potential Future for Perez?
Among the rumored options for Perez is a potential seat at Cadillac F1 when the American outfit joins the grid in 2026. While nothing is confirmed, the prospect of joining a new manufacturer-led team could be an enticing opportunity.
“We are talking to a few parties out there. Once I know all my options, I will make a decision. What is very clear to me is that I’m only coming back if the project makes sense, and it’s something I can enjoy,” he explained.
Having spent more than a decade in Formula 1, Perez is keenly aware of the sacrifices the sport demands. Any return, he insists, would require full commitment and motivation.
“I’ve spent a long time in F1 already, I’ve done most of it. Once you step back, you realise how much you give up in life to be in the sport. So, to be in F1 fully committed, I need the motivation.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, one thing remains clear—Perez still commands significant interest within the paddock.
“It’s good to be in this position knowing that people are keen on you as a driver. People have short memories in F1. Within a couple of races, they forget what you have done.
“People realise that my position was not the easiest one in F1 – and I’ve done extremely well overall.”
Read also:
Andretti: Lawson making Perez ‘look very good’ … for Cadillac
As the 35-year-old takes his time evaluating his options, Grand Prix racing’s landscape continues to shift. With 2026 bringing a major regulation overhaul, the veteran racer is confident that a year away from the sport would not hinder a potential return.
“I feel like that if there is a project that makes sense to me – and also with the regulations changing for 2026—I feel like taking a year out won’t have any impact if I were to come back.”
For now, Perez remains in the mix, watching and waiting as new opportunities arise. Whether his next chapter leads him back to Formula 1 with Cadillac or another team remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Checo is not closing the door just yet.
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Perez: ‘People now realize how difficult Red Bull car is to drive’ F1i.com.
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