Sergio Perez says he’s open to returning to Formulation 1 in 2026 however will solely accomplish that if he feels it’s the proper venture for him.
Purple Bull opted to finish Perez’s contract two years early over the winter, following a disappointing 2024 season alongside Max Verstappen. The Mexican stated he has been sounded out by a number of constructors and RACER understands Cadillac is one crew that has proven an curiosity in his providers when it enters F1 subsequent yr.
“If I discover a venture that motivates me absolutely to come back again, the place the crew imagine in me and the place they recognize my profession, my expertise and every part I can convey to a crew, it might be very enticing to think about it,” Perez informed F1.com. “That’s why I’ve given myself a minimum of six months to get all my choices on the desk and decide on what I do subsequent with my profession.
“There are a number of very fascinating tasks on the market. I’ve been approached by a number of groups since Abu Dhabi. Proper now, the season has began so a number of issues will open up within the coming months.
“We’re speaking to some events on the market. As soon as I do know all my choices, I’ll decide. What may be very clear to me is that I’m solely coming again if the venture is sensible, and it’s one thing I can get pleasure from.
“I’ve spent a very long time in F1 already — I’ve achieved most of it. When you step again, you understand how a lot you quit in life to be within the sport. So, to be in F1 absolutely dedicated, I would like the motivation.
“It’s good to be on this place understanding that persons are eager on you as a driver. Folks have quick recollections in F1. Inside a few races, they neglect what you might have achieved. Folks understand that my place was not the simplest one in F1 — and I’ve achieved extraordinarily nicely general.
With Purple Bull making a driver change after simply two races of this season and swapping Perez’s substitute Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda, the 35-year-old says the state of affairs is reminding folks of the troublesome automotive he was coping with in recent times.
“Particularly final yr, I didn’t get to point out what I’m capable of do as a driver. Now, hastily, folks understand how troublesome the automotive is to drive,” he stated. “Once I joined Purple Bull, there had been nice drivers who had struggled – Alex [Albon], Pierre [Gasly], they’re unbelievable drivers they usually struggled.
“I spent so lengthy in Purple Bull that everybody forgot how troublesome the automotive is to drive, in order that was tough. I really feel like that if there’s a venture that is sensible to me – and in addition with the laws altering for 2026 – I really feel like taking a yr out gained’t have any affect if I have been to come back again.”
Though Lawson’s struggles spotlight how robust the state of affairs inside Purple Bull is to deal with, Perez insists he desires to see Tsunoda do nicely now he’s making the step up from Racing Bulls.
“I actually need the crew to do nicely, as I’ve lots of associates on the crew,” Perez stated. “I spent 4 years with them and I wish to see them doing nicely. It’s only a very onerous factor to speak about. Proper now, I’m on the skin — I’ve been in contact with some crew members there however once you’re not there internally, it’s onerous to know [what’s happening].
“For me, it was quite simple — the automotive is simply fairly troublesome to get 100% out of it, to get the boldness out of it — and the issues I struggled with, even Adrian [Newey, the team’s former design chief] talked about them. However I wish to want them the very best. Woody [Richard Wood], who is a good good friend of mine, is engineering Yuki now so I actually hope they do nicely.
“Yuki has the expertise, has the velocity and, greater than that, you want the mentality to deal with it. I feel he has the proper mentality and the proper perspective to deal with it. I hope they may succeed.”
