Perez sets deadline to decide Formula 1 future
Sergio Perez has revealed that he will take several months to decide his future after his unexpected departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season.
The Mexican driver, who joined Red Bull four years ago, endured a turbulent 2024 season.
While teammate Max Verstappen soared to yet another Drivers’ Championship with 437 points, Perez struggled to maintain consistency, managing just 152 points.
The performance gap significantly impacted Red Bull, which fell to third in the Constructors’ Championship standings.
Speaking for the first time since his split from the Milton Keynes-based team, Perez admitted the decision to part ways came as a surprise.
“Everything happened very quickly at the end of last season,” Perez said during a press conference in Leon, Mexico. “I didn’t expect to leave the team.”
A Much-Needed Break for Reflection
Perez’s departure was confirmed last month, with Red Bull opting to replace him with their junior driver Liam Lawson, who had impressed during a late-season stint at Racing Bulls.
Despite the setback, Perez is taking time to evaluate his future both inside and outside the sport.
“It’s too early to give an answer as to whether I intend to return to Formula 1,” he explained.
“My priority is to enjoy myself, to do things I haven’t done, to be with my family. In the next six months, I will make a decision on what I want for the next step in my career.”
The 33-year-old is adamant about taking this period to step away from the spotlight and focus on personal fulfillment, which includes spending more time with his family.
“My biggest motivation now is to take my children on a good path and be more present in their lives,” he said.
“In F1, you only think about being a better driver, preparing yourself better—you don’t have time for anything else.”
Family First: Time Away from Racing
Perez has already lined up a series of family-focused activities.
“My biggest motivation is that I have a soccer tournament with Checo [his son] in three weeks, and we are going to travel around Mexico,” he said.
“My biggest motivation is that we do well in his tournament, that I can enjoy it a lot with my son.”
Despite his plans for downtime, Perez hasn’t ruled out the possibility of an F1 comeback, althoug
“It’s too early to give an answer as to whether I intend to return to Formula 1,” he explained.
A New Frontier? Cadillac Could Be Calling
With his proven track record and significant personal sponsorship backing, Perez could still be an appealing option for teams seeking an experienced hand.
One potential opportunity lies with Cadillac’s much-anticipated entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The American manufacturer, supported by General Motors, has already secured approval in principle to join the grid.
For a new team navigating the complexities of F1, a seasoned driver like Perez could be invaluable.
For now, Perez remains tied to Red Bull in a reduced capacity, continuing ambassadorial duties and show runs for the energy drinks giant. However, his immediate focus is far from the racetrack.
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