Sergio Perez teases return to Formula One as he reveals he's had talks with a 'few teams'
- Sergio Perez departed Red Bull last December following a tough season
- The Mexican has revealed the conditions that need to be met for return
Sergio Perez has revealed that he is in talks with a 'few teams' ahead of a potential return to Formula One in 2026.
The six-time Grand Prix winner announced his exit from Red Bull last December following a poor 2024 season, finishing 224 points behind champion and colleague Max Verstappen in the standings.
His disappointing results meant that he and Verstappen could not win the Constructors' Championship last year, despite the Dutchman's victory in the Drivers' Championship.
That award went to McLaren, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivering.
Perez says he is willing to the grid next year, but only for the right project.
He told the official 'Formula 1' site: 'If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it.
Sergio Perez has revealed that he is in talks with a 'few teams' ahead of a potential return
The six-time Grand Prix winner announced his exit from Red Bull last December
Perez has not won a race since April 2023 and endured a tough 2024 campaign
'That's why I've given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career.
'There are a few very interesting projects out there. I've been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has started so a few things will open up in the coming months.
'We are talking to a few parties out there. Once I know all my options, I will make a decision. What is very clear to me is that I'm only coming back if the project makes sense, and it's something I can enjoy.
'I've spent a long time in F1 already, I've done most of it. Once you step back, you realise how much you give up in life to be in the sport. So, to be in F1 fully committed, I need the motivation.'
Reflecting on his Red Bull exit, the Mexican added: 'Everything happened really late in the season.
'I wasn't really expecting it to happen. It only became clearer once we were in Qatar, and we started to discuss and negotiate my exit of the team. It all happened very quickly.'
Perez has not won a race since April 2023, while his former colleague Verstappen beat him in all of their seasons together, also claiming a total of four world championship titles.
However, His experience speaks for himself, having competed between 2011 and 2024 for McLaren, Racing Point and Red Bull.
