Sergio Perez says he’s open to returning to Components 1 in 2026 however will solely achieve this if he feels it’s the precise venture for him.
Purple 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 workforce that has proven an curiosity in his companies when it enters F1 subsequent yr.
“If I discover a venture that motivates me absolutely to come back again, the place the workforce consider in me and the place they recognize my profession, my expertise and all the things I can carry to a workforce, it might be very enticing to contemplate it,” Perez informed F1.com. “That’s why I’ve given myself a minimum of six months to get all my choices on the desk and decide on what I do subsequent with my profession.
“There are just a few very fascinating initiatives on the market. I’ve been approached by just a few groups since Abu Dhabi. Proper now, the season has began so just a few issues will open up within the coming months.
“We’re speaking to a couple events on the market. As soon as I do know all my choices, I’ll decide. What could be very clear to me is that I’m solely coming again if the venture is sensible, and it’s one thing I can get pleasure from.
“I’ve spent a very long time in F1 already — I’ve accomplished most of it. When you step again, you notice how a lot you surrender 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 persons are eager on you as a driver. Individuals have brief reminiscences in F1. Inside a few races, they overlook what you’ve got accomplished. Individuals notice that my place was not the simplest one in F1 — and I’ve accomplished extraordinarily effectively general.
With Purple 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 folks of the troublesome automobile he was coping with lately.
“Particularly final yr, I didn’t get to indicate what I’m in a position to do as a driver. Now, swiftly, folks notice how troublesome the automobile is to drive,” he mentioned. “Once I joined Purple Bull, there had been nice drivers who had struggled – Alex [Albon], Pierre [Gasly], they’re unbelievable drivers they usually struggled.
“I spent so lengthy in Purple Bull that everybody forgot how troublesome the automobile is to drive, in order that was difficult. I really feel like that if there’s a venture that is sensible to me – and likewise with the rules altering for 2026 – I really feel like taking a yr out received’t have any affect if I have been to come back again.”
Though Lawson’s struggles spotlight how powerful the scenario inside Purple Bull is to deal with, Perez insists he desires to see Tsunoda do effectively now he’s making the step up from Racing Bulls.
“I really need the workforce to do effectively, as I’ve numerous mates on the workforce,” Perez mentioned. “I spent 4 years with them and I need to see them doing effectively. It’s only a very onerous factor to speak about. Proper now, I’m on the surface — I’ve been in contact with some workforce members there however whenever 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 need to want them the very best. Woody [Richard Wood], who is a good pal of mine, is engineering Yuki now so I actually hope they do effectively.
“Yuki has the expertise, has the velocity and, greater than that, you want the mentality to deal with it. I feel he has the precise mentality and the precise angle to deal with it. I hope they may succeed.”
