Perez states conditions for F1 return as Cadillac confirms interest

Sergio Perez revealed he has been approached by some Formula 1 teams since leaving the championship at the end of the 2024 season – but he needs a project which motivates him.

The six-time grand prix winner partnered Max Verstappen at Red Bull from 2021 to 2024, but a poor final season where Perez finished 285 points behind his world champion team-mate caused him to lose his seat.

It left Perez without a drive for this year and the Mexican has laid down the conditions that must be met for him to return to the series having already talked to some constructors.

“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.com. 

“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.

“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.

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing RB20

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

“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.

“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.”

Perez was a very highly-rated driver before his Red Bull struggles, having finished fourth in the 2020 standings for Racing Point. So, despite a disappointing final season, he still looks back on his career with pride.

“People have short memories in F1,” he added. “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.”

One team that may be interested in Perez is Cadillac, which is set to join the F1 grid in 2026 after longstanding interest.

The 1978 world champion Mario Andretti is on the board of directors at Cadillac and he previously confirmed that Perez is an option.

“It could be an option, of course,” he said. “All I can say is that [Perez’s Red Bull replacement] Liam Lawson is making Checo look very, very good. [Yuki] Tsunoda, I think he probably deserved that seat more than Liam. But who am I?”