Sergio Perez says he’s open to returning to Method 1 in 2026 however will solely accomplish that if he feels it’s the proper venture for him.
Crimson Bull opted to finish Perez’s contract two years early over the winter, following a disappointing 2024 season alongside Max Verstappen. The Mexican mentioned he has been sounded out by a number of constructors and RACER understands Cadillac is one group 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 group imagine in me and the place they admire my profession, my expertise and every little thing I can deliver to a group, it could be very enticing to think about it,” Perez informed F1.com. “That’s why I’ve given myself not less than 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 initiatives 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 take pleasure in.
“I’ve spent a very long time in F1 already — I’ve carried out 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 figuring out that individuals are eager on you as a driver. Folks have quick reminiscences in F1. Inside a few races, they overlook what you have got carried out. Folks understand that my place was not the simplest one in F1 — and I’ve carried out extraordinarily nicely general.
With Crimson 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 scenario is reminding individuals of the troublesome automobile he was coping with in recent times.
“Particularly final yr, I didn’t get to indicate what I’m in a position to do as a driver. Now, unexpectedly, individuals understand how troublesome the automobile is to drive,” he mentioned. “Once I joined Crimson Bull, there had been nice drivers who had struggled – Alex [Albon], Pierre [Gasly], they’re incredible drivers they usually struggled.
“I spent so lengthy in Crimson Bull that everybody forgot how troublesome the automobile 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 influence if I have been to come back again.”
Though Lawson’s struggles spotlight how powerful the scenario inside Crimson Bull is to deal with, Perez insists he needs to see Tsunoda do nicely now he’s making the step up from Racing Bulls.
“I really need the group to do nicely, as I’ve plenty of buddies on the group,” Perez mentioned. “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 surface — I’ve been in contact with some group members there however if you’re not there internally, it’s onerous to know [what’s happening].
“For me, it was quite simple — the automobile 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 most effective. Woody [Richard Wood], who is a good buddy of mine, is engineering Yuki now so I actually hope they do nicely.
“Yuki has the expertise, has the pace 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.”
