Perez states conditions for F1 return as Cadillac confirm interest

Sergio Perez revealed he has been approached by some Method 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 Purple Bull from 2021 to 2024, however a poor last season the place Perez completed 285 factors behind his world champion team-mate brought about him to lose his seat.

It left Perez with out a drive for this yr and the Mexican has laid down the circumstances that have to 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 consider in me and the place they respect my profession, my expertise and the whole lot I can convey to a group, it will be very engaging to think about it,” he mentioned.

“That’s why I’ve given myself at the least 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.

“We’re speaking to some 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 smart, and it’s one thing I can take pleasure in.

“I’ve spent a very long time in F1 already, I’ve achieved 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 want the motivation.”

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

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

One group which may be concerned with Perez is Cadillac, which is ready 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 could possibly 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, excellent. [Yuki] Tsunoda, I feel he most likely deserved that seat greater than Liam. However who am I?”