After a sudden Red Bull split, Sergio Pérez is back in demand — weighing F1 offers and considering a comeback for 2025.
Could Sergio Pérez be back on the Formula 1 grid next year? Don’t rule it out.
His stock has quietly risen since Liam Lawson’s brief two-race stint at Red Bull—while Pérez held that seat for four years. And with the upcoming Cadillac F1 team on the lookout for experienced drivers, doors might be opening.
But does Pérez really want to come back? After everything that went down at Red Bull, would he even consider jumping back into the pressure cooker that is F1?
Speaking to the official Formula 1 site, the Mexican driver reflected on his sudden departure late last season:
“It all happened very late in the year,” he said. “I wasn’t really expecting it. Things only became clear once we got to Qatar and started discussing and negotiating my exit. Everything moved very fast.”
Despite the abrupt ending, Pérez holds no bitterness towards Red Bull or team principal Christian Horner.
“I genuinely want the team to succeed. There are still a lot of friends of mine there,” he continued. “After spending four years with them, I truly hope they go on to achieve great things. That said, it’s a difficult topic to talk about.”
Since leaving, he’s kept in touch with some people at the team—but admits, once you’re out, you’re out:
“When you’re no longer inside the team, it’s hard to really know what’s going on.”
What Went Wrong at Red Bull?
For Pérez, the issue was straightforward: the car.
Red Bull’s notoriously sensitive machine has long been optimized around Max Verstappen’s driving style. And Pérez wasn’t the first to struggle with it.
“The car is just extremely hard to extract full performance from—to get that confidence. Even Adrian [Newey] acknowledged the challenges I had with it.”
Backing Tsunoda, Not Rooting Against Him
Some might think Pérez would quietly hope Yuki Tsunoda struggles too, just like Lawson did—but that’s not his style.
“I honestly wish them the best,” he said. “Woody, a good friend of mine, is now Yuki’s engineer. Yuki has talent and speed—but it’s also about having the right mindset. I believe he does.”
So… Is He Coming Back?
Since stepping away from racing, Pérez has had time to reflect—and says he’s open to a return if the right opportunity comes along.
“It’s been great to take a step back and see the sport from the outside. I’ve been able to appreciate the journey I’ve had.”
A six-time Grand Prix winner and 39-time podium finisher, Pérez says he’s proud of having made the most of every chance:
“I feel privileged. I always maximized my opportunities—and for an athlete, that’s huge.”
But would he come back to F1 just for any seat?
“Only if the project excites me—if the team believes in me, values my experience, and what I bring to the table. That’s what would make it worth considering.”
He’s taking time to weigh his options—at least six months, he says—before deciding what’s next.
Cadillac Calling?
While he didn’t name names, Pérez confirmed he’s been in talks with several teams since Abu Dhabi:
“There are some really interesting projects in the works. I’ve had a few approaches, and with the season now underway, things will start to open up in the coming months.”
“We’re talking to several parties. Once I have the full picture, I’ll make a decision. But I’ll only come back if it makes sense—and if it’s something I’ll truly enjoy.”
After years of grinding in F1, Pérez is thinking bigger:
“Once you step away, you realize how much you sacrifice to be part of this sport. So to come back fully committed, I need real motivation.”
From Forgotten to Wanted
Not long ago, some in the paddock were quick to write him off. Now, he’s in demand—and he’s enjoying the moment.
“It’s a good feeling to be wanted again as a driver. People have short memories in F1,” he smiled.
“In just a few races, everyone forgets what you’ve accomplished. But I think people now realize my situation at Red Bull wasn’t easy—and overall, I did pretty well.”
“Last year, I didn’t really get to show what I was capable of.”
And as others continue to struggle with that Red Bull car, his reputation has only grown.
“When I joined Red Bull, there were already great drivers—Alex [Albon], Pierre [Gasly]—who found it tough. They’re fantastic drivers, and they struggled.”
“I stayed long enough that people forgot just how tricky that car is. It wasn’t easy.”
As for a return? He’s not worried about the time off:
“If the project makes sense—and with the regulation changes coming in 2026—I don’t think a year off would affect me at all.”
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Pérez plots F1 comeback, confirms talks with several teams
Pérez plots F1 comeback, confirms talks with several teams
