Sergio Perez: Former Red Bull driver says ‘interesting project’ could bring him back to F1 after departure | F1 news
Sergio Perez says he will take at least six months off racing after being dropped by Red Bull, but admits he could be tempted to return to the cockpit with an “interesting project”.
After 14 consecutive seasons on the Formula 1 grid, Perez begins 2025 on the sidelines after a hugely disappointing 2024 campaign saw him replaced by Liam Lawson.
While his recent struggles make it difficult to envisage a route back to an F1 seat for the 34-year-old Mexican, his experience and huge popularity mean a return cannot be ruled out.
Perez was asked about his future as he made his first public comments since being dropped by Red Bull in December, as he gave an inspirational speech to students at a state fair in his home country.
He said: “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s too early to answer. Everything happened very quickly at the end of the season, so I didn’t expect it.
“Now I’m in an amazing, dreamy position, which I didn’t even realize I was in, so if you ask me now, I don’t know. I’m very happy with my life, very excited about what lies ahead.
“Certainly, if I get a good, interesting project, then I will definitely consider it and think about it, it will all come in due time.
“For now, my priority in the months ahead is to have fun, do what I didn’t get to do, travel, be with my family…
“In the next six months I will make a decision about what I want for the next step in my career.”
‘Freedom is incredible’
After finishing behind Max Verstappen in 2023 to secure Red Bull’s first one-two drivers’ championship, Perez has made a strong start to 2024, securing four podiums while finishing in the top five in each of the first six races.
He was soon rewarded with a contract extension, but then experienced a dramatic loss of form which saw him end his campaign with just nine points from the last eight rounds.
Red Bull were ultimately left with little choice but to accept the cancellation of Perez’s new contract, with the looming threat of McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes convincing team boss Christian Horner that a stronger second driver was needed.
After an extremely difficult end to 2024 for Perez as he faced constant speculation about his future, he says he is enjoying the freedom that has come with his sacking.
“It’s unbelievable,” he added. “It’s hard to describe, but I feel different as a person. It’s something I’ve never experienced [before]. I’m perfectly happy.
“I will return to F1 if that is what will make me the happiest. That is all I will think about, what will make me happier in the coming years.”
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