Sergio Perez says he will be out of racing for at least six months after being dropped by Red Bull, but admits he could be tempted back into the cockpit with an “interesting project”.
After 14 consecutive seasons on the Formula 1 grid, Perez starts 2025 on the sidelines after a hugely disappointing 2024 campaign saw him replaced by Liam Lawson.
While his recent struggles make it difficult for the 34-year-old Mexican to return to the Formula 1 seat, his experience and huge popularity mean a return cannot be ruled out.
Perez was asked about his future when he made his first public comments since being sacked by Red Bull in December when he gave a pep talk to students at a state fair in his home country.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Follow Sergio Perez’s struggles in what turned out to be his last season as a Red Bull driver
He said: “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s too early to have an answer. Everything happened very quickly at the end of the season, so I didn’t expect it.
“Right now I’m in an incredible, dreamy position that I didn’t even realize I was in, so if you ask me now, I’m very happy with my life, very excited about what’s to come. .
“Of course, if I get a good, interesting project, I will definitely think and think about it, everything will come in time.
“For now, my priority in the coming months is to have fun, do things I haven’t been able to, travel, be with my family…
“In the next six months, I will make a decision about what I want for the next step in my career.”
“Freedom is incredible”
Finishing behind Max Verstappen in 2023 to secure Red Bull’s maiden Drivers’ Championship one-two, Perez has made a strong start to 2024, securing four podiums as he finished in the top five in each of the first six races.
He was soon rewarded with a contract extension, but then suffered a dramatic loss of form which saw him end his campaign with just nine points from the last eight rounds.
Ultimately, Red Bull had little choice but to agree to cancel Perez’s new contract, as the looming threat of McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes convinced team principal Christian Horner of the need for a stronger second driver.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Red Bull leader Sergio Perez overtook Williams’ Franco Colapinto in the Qatar GP Sprint pit start.
After a tough end to 2024 for Peres as he faced constant speculation about his future, he says he is enjoying the freedom that has come from his ouster.
“It’s unbelievable,” he added. “It’s hard to describe, but I feel different as a person. It’s something I’ve never experienced (before). I’m perfectly happy.
“I’ll go back to Formula 1 if it makes me the happiest. That’s all I’ll think about in the years to come.”
Watch all 24 race weekends of the 2025 Formula 1 season live on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Australian GP on March 14-16. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
