Sergio Perez has claimed that his firing from Red Bull came “very quickly”, as well as revealing he is in talks with “a few” teams regarding a Formula 1 return in 2026.
The Mexican was ousted by the team upon the conclusion of the 2024 season, after a difficult season which saw him finish eighth in the Drivers’ standings, as team-mate Max Verstappen won his fourth straight title.
His future at Red Bull seemed precarious the longer the 2024 season progressed, with the RB20’s lack of competitiveness in comparison to its predecessors hindering him.
Verstappen was able to utilise his early-season buffer to ensure he would eventually win the championship, but Perez saw a number of disappointing results and performances which resulted in an eighth-place finish in the Drivers’ standings.
Despite the media reporting that his seat was under threat, Perez claimed that he felt secure in the team until the penultimate Grand Prix.
“Everything happened really late in the season,” he told formula1.com “I wasn’t really expecting it to happen. It only became clearer once we were in Qatar, and we started to discuss and negotiate my exit of the team. It all happened very quickly.”
Perez also said that his enforced absence from F1 has enabled him to “step back a bit” and enjoy time back in Mexico with his family.
Sergio Perez in talks with ‘a few’ teams for F1 comeback
The lateness of Perez’s sacking hindered any possibility of finding a drive for this year, although has taken the positivity from this, saying that his enforced sabbatical has enabled him to “step back a bit” and enjoy time back in Mexico with his family.
However, his name is already thought to be in the conversation of who will be racing for the new Cadillac team, with its advisor Mario Andretti saying he “could be an option.”
Perez revealed said some teams had been in contact about a comeback from the end of the 2024 season onwards.
“If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it,” he said.
“That’s why I’ve given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career.
“There are a few very interesting projects out there. I’ve been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has started so a few things will open up in the coming months.”
Perez also revealed he is talking to the teams, but is not intending to rush any decision regarding his how or where his future lay.
“We are talking to a few parties out there. Once I know all my options, I will make a decision. What is very clear to me is that I’m only coming back if the project makes sense, and it’s something I can enjoy.
“I’ve spent a long time in F1 already, I’ve done most of it. Once you step back, you realise how much you give up in life to be in the sport. So, to be in F1 fully committed, I need the motivation.”
Perez, who has also been linked with a possible switch to Formula E, said he was happy to have his name considered, acknowledging drivers can be easily forgotten once they are out of the sport.
“It’s good to be in this position knowing that people are keen on you as a drive. People have short memories in F1.
“Within a couple of races, they forget what you have done. People realise that my position was not the easiest one in F1 – and I’ve done extremely well overall.”
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