Table of Contents
- Sergio Perez could return to F1 in 2026
- He left Oracle Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season after a dismal season performance
- He is now in Mexico happily spending time with his four kids and wife
Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez could make a return to F1 in 2026.
The Mexican driver has hinted that he is talking with some teams. He is exploring the possibility of a grand return to the grid, but only if the ‘deal is worthwhile.’
He is in Mexico, living life away from the pressures of Formula One. It’s the first time in a decade that he is a ‘free man’ living a complete life with his family.
Why Did Sergio Perez Leave Red Bull?
The 35-year-old F1 driver ended his tenure with Red Bull, led by Christian Horner, in December 2024. Perez had two years left on his contract with the Milton Keynes team.
However, his decision to leave the team was mutual. He raced for Red Bull for four seasons before parting ways at the end of the 2024 season.
Surprisingly, he signed a two-year contract extension at the beginning of the 2024 season. He would have stayed with Red Bull until the end of the 2026 season.
Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is in Mexico spending time with his family. He is considering returning to F1 in 2026. Photo/GPFans
Incidentally, the 2024 season challenged him so much that he finished eighth in the F1 driver championship. In contrast, this was his worst performance, considering that he finished second in the 2023 season.
Sergio Perez made his presence felt at Red Bull in 2022 and 2023. He rallied behind Max Verstappen who won the Formula 1 World Championship in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Despite a rocky season, he remained resolute that he would race for Red Bull in 2025, but it never happened. Team insiders say that Oracle Red Bull Racing leadership felt dissatisfied with his performance and asked him to leave ‘on mutual terms.’
The decision to leave the team with two years remaining in his contract came as a big surprise for him. The reality sank after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Talks of his exit started in Qatar, and he didn’t have a choice other than ‘accepting his fate’ and leaving the team. He recalls that everything happened so fast that he barely had time to process everything that was happening.
In his exit speech, Perez termed racing with Verstappen a great honour, adding that he enjoyed every moment he spent on the tracks with the team.
He also thanked his fans for their support, especially the Mexicans. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner praised Checo [Perez], stating that he helped the team win two constructors’ titles.
According to Horner, Perez’s five grand prix wins in the four seasons he spent with Oracle Red Bull Racing proved that he was a team player.
F1 Comeback in 2026?
Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is in Mexico spending time with his family. He is considering returning to F1 in 2026. Photo/The SportsRush
With his F1 exit, Sergio Perez, who raced for McLaren, Force India and Sauber in the past is keen on bargaining a worthwhile deal for his return to the circuit.
In a recent interview with Formula 1, he looks happy and content spending time with his four kids and wife. He doesn’t hide the joy of spending unlimited time with the people who matter most in his life.
Nevertheless, he is ready to return to F1 if he finds a ‘sensible project that motivates him to make a comeback.’ He is taking six months to evaluate all offers on the table and make an informed decision.
He disclosed that some Abu Dhabi teams approached him with an offer, but he is taking time to make the best decision.
