Sergio Perez says he’s embraced returning to Formula 1 in 2026, but will only do so if he feels that it’s the right project for him.
Red Bull has opted to end Perez’s contract two years earlier in the winter, following the disappointing 2024 season alongside Max Verstappen. The Mexican said he was heard by multiple constructors and the racers understood that Cadillac was the team that showed interest in his services when he entered Formula 1 next year.
“If I find a project that motivates me to come back completely, it’s very appealing to consider that in a place where the team believes in me and where they appreciate my career, my experiences and everything I can bring to the team,” Perez told F1.com. “So I gave myself for at least six months to get all the options on the table and decide what to do next in my career.
“There are some very interesting projects out there. Since Abu Dhabi, I’ve been approached by several teams. Now that the season is on, there are a few things to open up in the coming months.
“We’re talking to some parties there. Once we know all the options, we make decisions. What’s very clear to me is that we only come back if the project makes sense, and that’s something I can enjoy.
“I’ve already spent a lot of time in Formula 1. I’ve done most of it. Once you step back, you realize how much you’re giving up in life because you’re in the sport.
“It’s good to be in this position knowing that people are passionate about you as drivers. People have short memories in Formula 1. Of some races, they forget what you did.
With Red Bull changing drivers after just two races this season and replacing Perez’s replacement, Liam Lawson, with Yuki Tsunoda, the 35-year-old said the situation has reminded people of the difficult cars he’s been dealing with in recent years.
“Especially last year, I couldn’t show what I could do as a driver. Now all of a sudden people realize how difficult it is for cars to drive,” he said. “When I joined Red Bull, there were some great drivers who were struggling, Alex, Pierre, they were great drivers and they struggled.
“I spent so long at Red Bull, so that was difficult because everyone forgot how difficult it was to drive a car. If there’s a project that makes sense to me, and with regulations changed in 2026, I don’t think I’ll be able to get a year back.”
Lawson’s struggle highlights how difficult the Red Bull situation is to handle, but Perez insists he wants to see the horndas do well.
“I have a lot of friends on the team, so I want to do well with the team,” Perez said. “I spent four years with them and I want to see them doing well. It’s very difficult to talk about. Right now, I’m outside.
“It was very simple for me. The car won 100% from then and it’s very difficult to gain confidence. And even the things I struggled with, I talked about them. But I hope they’re the best.
“Yuki has talent, speed, and more than that, he needs a mentality to deal with it. I think he has the right mentality and the right attitude to deal with it. I hope they succeed.”