Sergio Perez Finds Renewed Motivation for F1 Return with Cadillac After Hiatus
Sergio Perez, after an 11-month break and a challenging exit from Red Bull, is set to return to Formula 1 with the new Cadillac team. He revealed that his final months at Red Bull were marked by demotivation, but his forced hiatus helped him rediscover his passion for the sport. Fresh off a test run in a Ferrari SF-23, Perez is now fully reinvigorated and sees his multi-year agreement with Cadillac as his final, significant project in F1, aiming to make a strong impact from the outset.
After an 11-month break from Formula 1, Sergio Perez admits his final six months with Red Bull were marred by "a bit of demotivation." Now, fresh off his first F1 laps in nearly a year with Cadillac at a Ferrari test, the six-time Grand Prix winner is set to return to the grid with the sport's newest team, reinvigorated and ready for what he sees as his final chapter in F1.
Why it matters:
Sergio Perez's return to Formula 1 with Cadillac signifies a significant moment for both the driver and the sport's newest entrant. For Perez, it's a chance to finish his career on his own terms, reigniting his passion after a challenging end to his Red Bull tenure. For Cadillac, securing a seasoned, Grand Prix-winning driver like Perez provides instant credibility and experience for their debut as the 11th team on the grid, aiming to make an impact from day one.
The Details:
- Challenging Red Bull Exit: Perez's stint at Red Bull, though including poles and wins, was consistently overshadowed by rumors of his departure, intensified by a performance gap to teammate Max Verstappen in 2023. He secured two wins and 285 points compared to Verstappen's 19 wins and 575 points.
- 2024 Struggles: His difficulties worsened in 2024, finishing eighth in the standings and reportedly contributing to Red Bull losing the Constructors' title, leading to an announced split post-season.
- Forced Hiatus: The late separation left Perez without a seat for F1 2025, forcing him into a year-long break.
- Break's Impact: Initially, Perez didn't realize he needed the time off, admitting he was in "automatic mode." The hiatus, however, allowed him to gain perspective and rediscover his love for the sport, as he continued to follow races and connect with paddock friends.
- Cadillac Opportunity: Conversations with Cadillac sparked his renewed passion, leading to a multi-year agreement that he views as his "final stint in the sport."
- Ferrari Test: Perez recently completed his first F1 laps in nearly a year at Imola, driving a blacked-out Ferrari SF-23 for Cadillac. Unofficial sources reported his best time in the 1:16s, surpassing social media speculation of 1:17.27.
What's next:
Perez is approaching his new role with Cadillac as a "dream scenario," fully energized for what he sees as his final, major project in Formula 1. He emphasizes that the starting point is less important than the team's rapid progression, aiming to push Cadillac forward in all areas from day one and surprise many with their immediate impact on the grid.