Perez sets deadline for possible F1 return after Red Bull axe

Sergio Perez has insisted it is "too early to give an answer" over whether he intends to make a return to F1, but will make a decision within "six months."

Red Bull axed the Mexican racer after a torrid 2024 season in which he scored just 48 points in the final 18 races after an initially promising start to the campaign. 

Perez did bank four podiums in the first five races of last season, but was unable to arrest the alarming slump in form which ultimately cost Red Bull the constructors' championship as it slipped to third behind McLaren and Ferrari. 

Perez had signed a new two-year contract with Red Bull ahead of the Canadian GP, but the contract was torn up to release him, bringing to an end his 14-year F1 career.

However, when questioned whether a return would be something he would consider if he could find a seat, Perez was unsure over whether he would.

"My priority is to enjoy myself, to do things I haven't done before, to be with my family," he explained at a conference in Mexico. 

"In the next six months, I will make a decision about what I want for the next step in my career.

"It's too early to give an answer as to whether I intend to return to Formula 1. 

"Everything happened so quickly at the end of last season, I didn't expect to leave the team.

"My biggest motivation now is to guide my children along the right path and be more present in their lives. I am very excited to be with my family because in F1 you only think about being a better driver, preparing yourself better, you don't have time for anything else.

"I have a football tournament with Checo in three weeks and we are going to travel around Mexico."