Sergio Pérez is already considering the end of his Formula 1 career, just months after returning to the championship with Cadillac following a year away.
At 36, the Mexican admits that developing the new American team is taking longer than he expected, raising questions about how much longer he intends to remain in the sport.
While satisfied to be racing again and demonstrating his abilities, Pérez is increasingly prioritising family life and has suggested that a decision about his future could come soon.
After spending the 2025 season away from Formula 1, Pérez returned to the grid with Cadillac, the championship’s 11th team. His comeback followed his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024, after several difficult months alongside Max Verstappen.
The move to Cadillac offered Pérez an opportunity to rediscover his enjoyment of racing while helping establish an entirely new Formula 1 operation. However, the American team’s opening months have proved particularly demanding.
Cadillac has yet to score a point in its debut season and continues to face a steep learning curve against rivals with significantly more established structures and experience.
Speaking to Mexican broadcaster Televisa, Pérez acknowledged that the scale of the challenge had exceeded his initial expectations.
“It’s a project that is taking more time than I initially imagined.”
That reality could influence his decision about how much longer to continue racing. At 36, Pérez recognises that he is approaching the final stages of his Formula 1 career.
Although he has not identified a specific retirement date, he is increasingly open about the possibility that his remaining time in the championship may be limited.
Asked how many more years he expects to compete, Pérez replied:
“It’s difficult to give an exact number, but it won’t be much longer.”
Pérez finds personal satisfaction despite Cadillac’s struggles
Despite Cadillac’s difficult start, Pérez does not regard his return to Formula 1 as a personal disappointment.
Instead, the experience has helped restore his confidence in his driving abilities following the challenging conclusion to his Red Bull career.
The Mexican believes he has generally held the upper hand over teammate Valtteri Bottas, himself a former Grand Prix winner, although the limitations of Cadillac’s car have prevented either driver from challenging for significant results.
“People who know Formula 1 well know the level at which I drive.”
Pérez also explained that returning to the championship has allowed him to reassess the circumstances surrounding his previous performances.
“It has given me great satisfaction to prove to myself that the circumstances of recent years had prevented me from showing all my talent.”
For Pérez, the comeback has therefore represented a form of personal rehabilitation.
After leaving Red Bull under difficult circumstances, he wanted to demonstrate that his previous results did not necessarily reflect the full extent of his abilities.
Even without a notable championship result, Pérez believes he has rediscovered the feeling and confidence that had been missing during his final seasons with Red Bull.
Family becomes a decisive factor in Pérez’s retirement plans
While Cadillac’s performance and development prospects remain part of his considerations, Pérez has identified his family as an increasingly important factor in deciding his future.
The Mexican acknowledges that Formula 1’s demanding calendar, frequent travel and extended periods away from home are becoming harder to balance with his responsibilities as a father.
Although he would like to continue racing for as long as Fernando Alonso, his personal priorities could ultimately lead him towards a different decision.
“I’m aware that we’re much closer to the end than the beginning, but that’s precisely why I want to enjoy these Grands Prix to the fullest.”
Pérez explained that spending more time with his children is particularly important at this stage of his life.
“What really holds me back is my children. I’d love to stay as long as Fernando, for example, but my children are at an age where I want to be more present.”
Pérez looks beyond Formula 1 and hints at an imminent decision
Pérez is also beginning to consider more seriously what he might pursue after retiring from Formula 1.
Unlike some drivers who seek to remain involved in motorsport after ending their racing careers, the Mexican has expressed particular interest in opportunities outside the sport.
“I’m excited about the idea of getting involved in projects outside the world of motorsport.”
Although he has not confirmed when he intends to retire, Pérez wants to ensure that his Formula 1 career ends positively.
“I want to finish my Formula 1 career on a good note, and all I can say is that we’ll know soon.”
