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Sergio Perez has broken his silence on the requirements he needs met before making a return to Formula 1, months after parting ways with Red Bull Racing. The Mexican driver was released at the end of the 2024 season following a tough campaign alongside teammate Max Verstappen, who went on to secure his fourth consecutive world title.
Instead, Perez will now be replaced with Liam Lawson by Red Bull. However, the young New Zealand student has not found a footing and is thus sent back to Racing Bulls and has called for Yuki Tsunoda. Lawson's rough start makes it ever clearer that driving the Red Bull car has special challenges-and this means that the reason Perez's performance has floundered may not have been his fault alone.
Senior Driver Linked to Several Teams, Including Cadillac
Even after quitting Red Bull so badly, Perez hasn't thrown the towel on a potential comeback stint. He is reportedly closing on negotiations with several teams, including the new kid on the block, Cadillac F1, which will have its entry sponsored by General Motors in the premier world championship, starting in 2026.
The Times reports that talks are "in progress" with Cadillac but that major financial issues are still being discussed. Given Perez's enormous popularity among Americans, a shift to a U.S. team could be a strategic win both commercially and competitively.
Perez Sets His Return Criteria: Motivation, Belief, and Respect
The 35-year-old has made it clear that any potential comeback will depend on three critical elements: personal motivation, the team’s belief in him, and genuine appreciation for his experience.
“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,” Perez told F1’s official website.
Taking a Step Back – and Looking Ahead to 2026
Perez admitted that stepping away from the sport has given him perspective on the sacrifices involved in being a Formula 1 driver. With sweeping regulation changes set to arrive in 2026, he believes that even a year away from racing wouldn't necessarily hinder a return.
“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 added.
“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."
“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.”
Always interested in the grid, Perez's future in the sport does not only rely on the competitiveness of the race car: He seeks his fit, an environment that will respect his history, motivate his passion, and render the sacrifice worthwhile.
As the teams work their way into finalizing their driver lineup for 2026, the tension surrounding the potential veteran to find the project he deems suitable begins to develop.
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