Sergio Perez has detailed he is still working towards a return to the F1 grid next year, having decided he is not ready to close that chapter of his career.
Perez departed the F1 field at the end of 2024 following a dismal final campaign with Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen.
The Mexican has been heavily linked with a seat at the new Cadillac F1 team next year, which will expand the grid to 22 cars for the first time since 2016.
Having taken time away from the sport, Perez has revealed he is now ready to commit to an F1 project that is right for him.
“Yes, I want to,” Perez told Desde el Paddock. “The answer is yes, I do want to return, but only if the right project comes along, one where I feel I truly belong or should be.
“I don’t want to come back at any cost. I’m not interested in traveling around the world as a third driver or just waiting around for an opportunity.
“I feel fortunate for the career I’ve had, and I do want to come back—because I don’t want my career to end like this.
“But I’m also fully aware that I’ll only return if it’s truly worth the price you have to pay to be in Formula 1 - 24 races, and an entire life dedicated to the sport.”
More on Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez denies early return to F1 grid
Perez has loosely been linked with a potential return to the grid this year at Alpine - however the 35-year-old has asserted he will not race in 2025.
“Things are going well, but I think it’s still early in the season,” Perez detailed.
“As time goes on, things will become clearer, and I’ll be able to make a final decision.
“I’m not in a rush - I know I won’t be in F1 this year, so we’ll see what happens for next year.”
Cadillac has highlighted its desire to sign an experienced driver to spearhead car development, making Perez an ideal candidate.
“Yes, I believe it 100 per cent,” Perez said when asked about his feedback being an advantage for a new team.
“If you look at my years with Force India, and then later with Red Bul - pushing the team forward race by race, and eventually becoming a winning team - that’s exactly the kind of environment I’m looking for.
“A team with that mentality, that unity.
“For me, that’s more important than any trophy or achievement: finding a project where the driver feels truly motivated.”
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365' Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look ahead to this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix! How Lando Norris must react after Canada and the continued threat of a race ban for Max Verstappen are major talking points.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Most read
In this article
Join the conversation!