Sergio Perez has been backed by his father to return to the F1 grid in order to receive a send-off akin to the “greats” of the sport.
Perez exited F1 at the end of the 2024 season as Red Bull opted to part ways with the Mexican driver following a dismal season, his fourth campaign with the team.
His final race for the Milton Keynes-based squad ended in an early retirement, bringing an end to his tough run of results.
The 34-year-old recently declared he would take six months to decide what lies ahead for his career.
Perez senior has already hinted a switch to the all-electric Formula E category could be on the cards but has highlighted his son is determined to return to the F1 grid.
“As he said, he will wait these six months,” Perez's father said, as quoted by Esto.
“If a good opportunity comes, he will take it.”
An 11th team, spearheaded by General Motors, is set to join the grid in 2026 which could seek out Perez's experience to help start up its project and offer a career swansong for the six-time race winner.
“Look at how many Formula 1 drivers have taken a sabbatical and how they come back,” Perez senior added. “[Niki] Lauda did it, Kimi Raikkonen did it, Fernando Alonso did it.
“Many drivers have done it and they come back stronger than ever.
“I have no doubt that a good opportunity will come for Checo to come back for several more years. He deserves to say goodbye like the greats.”
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