26/06/2025 08:20
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."
