Perez states conditions for F1 return as Cadillac confirms interest

Sergio Perez revealed he has been approached by some System 1 groups since leaving the championship on the finish of the 2024 season – however he wants a undertaking which motivates him.

The six-time grand prix winner partnered Max Verstappen at Crimson Bull from 2021 to 2024, however a poor last season the place Perez completed 285 factors behind his world champion team-mate precipitated him to lose his seat.

It left Perez with no drive for this 12 months and the Mexican has laid down the circumstances that should be met for him to return to the collection having already talked to some constructors.

“If I discover a undertaking that motivates me absolutely to return again, the place the group imagine in me and the place they recognize my profession, my expertise and every little thing I can convey to a group, it could be very enticing to think about it,” Perez advised 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 a couple of very fascinating initiatives on the market. I’ve been approached by a couple of groups since Abu Dhabi. Proper now, the season has began so a couple of issues will open up within the coming months.

Sergio Perez, Crimson Bull Racing RB20

Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photographs

“We’re speaking to a couple 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 undertaking is sensible, and it’s one thing I can take pleasure in.

“I’ve spent a very long time in F1 already, I’ve finished most of it. When you step again, you realise how a lot you quit in life to be within the sport. So, to be in F1 absolutely dedicated, I would like the motivation.”

Perez was a really highly-rated driver earlier than his Crimson Bull struggles, having completed fourth within the 2020 standings for Racing Level. So, regardless of a disappointing last season, he nonetheless appears to be like again on his profession with delight.

“Folks have quick reminiscences in F1,” he added. “Inside a few races, they neglect what you could have finished. Folks realise that my place was not the best one in F1 – and I’ve finished extraordinarily effectively total.”

One group that could be concerned about Perez is Cadillac, which is about to affix the F1 grid in 2026 after longstanding curiosity.

The 1978 world champion Mario Andretti is on the board of administrators at Cadillac and he beforehand confirmed that Perez is an choice.

“It might be an choice, in fact,” he mentioned. “All I can say is that [Perez’s Red Bull replacement] Liam Lawson is making Checo look very, superb. [Yuki] Tsunoda, I believe he in all probability deserved that seat greater than Liam. However who am I?”