Sergio Perez, a six-time Formula 1 race winner, has opened up about his abrupt departure from Red Bull Racing and his plans to take the next six months to decide whether he will attempt a return to the grid. The Mexican star, whose 2024 season ended amid a series of struggles, has chosen to prioritize his family and personal life before committing to the next phase of his career.
A Difficult End to the Red Bull Chapter
Perez’s time with Red Bull came to a premature end following a challenging 2024 season, where he finished a staggering 285 points behind teammate Max Verstappen. Red Bull slipped to third in the Constructors’ Championship, behind McLaren and Ferrari, with Perez scoring just 21 points in the final 10 races. The performance gap, combined with a string of retirements, ultimately sealed his fate.
“Everything happened very quickly at the end of last season. I didn’t expect to leave the team,” Perez admitted, adding that his final race in Abu Dhabi marked a bittersweet conclusion to his Red Bull stint. Despite the hardships, Perez maintained a positive outlook:
“The important thing is that I never gave up. Whenever something difficult happened in my career, better things came, and that was because I never gave up.”
A Six-Month Hiatus and New Priorities
For now, Perez is putting Formula 1 on hold, choosing instead to focus on his family and the experiences he missed during his relentless racing schedule.
“My priority is to enjoy myself, do things I haven’t done, and be with my family,” Perez shared. He revealed that he is embracing the opportunity to watch his children grow up, participate in their activities, and reconnect with loved ones.
“My biggest motivation now is to take my children on a good path and be more present in their lives. I have a soccer tournament with Checo [his son] in three weeks, and we’re going to travel around Mexico.”
Perez expressed excitement for this newfound chapter:
“I am very excited about what’s to come this year. I’m very calm and very happy.”
The Door to Formula 1 Remains Open
While Perez enjoys his time off, speculation about his potential return to Formula 1 continues to swirl. Red Bull boss Christian Horner suggested that Perez could still rejoin the grid in the future, particularly with the Cadillac F1 team set to debut in 2026. Horner praised Perez’s vast experience, calling him a viable option for the General Motors-backed outfit:
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the grid again with Cadillac if that’s what he wants.”
Perez, however, remains non-committal:
“It’s too early to give an answer as to whether I intend to return to Formula 1. In the next six months, I will make a decision on what I want for the next step in my career.”
Perez’s current ties to Red Bull include an ambassadorial role, performing show runs in previous cars—a connection that keeps him close to the F1 ecosystem.
A Legacy of Resilience
Sergio Perez’s career has been marked by resilience. From being ousted by Racing Point (now Aston Martin) in 2020 to securing a last-minute deal with Red Bull, Perez has consistently fought back against adversity. His time with Red Bull included iconic victories and a critical role in helping the team clinch Constructors’ Championships.
Now, as he steps away from the sport to focus on his family, Perez remains optimistic about his future, whether in Formula 1 or beyond. His fans, meanwhile, eagerly await his decision, hoping to see “Checo” return to the grid stronger than ever.