Sergio Pérez has spoken out for the first time since his departure from Red Bull. The Mexican driver was replaced by 22-year-old Liam Lawson in December, marking a temporary end to his Formula 1 journey. Pérez reveals that he is in no rush to return to the premier class of racing.
Sergio Pérez had a promising start to the 2024 season, securing four podium finishes in the first five races. This performance earned him a contract extension from Red Bull. However, after signing the contract, things took a turn for the worse. Pérez hit a slump, scoring only nine points in the last eight Grands Prix. This led Red Bull to end their collaboration and place Liam Lawson in the vacant seat next to Max Verstappen.
Pérez reveals that, despite ongoing speculation about his future, he did not see his dismissal from Red Bull coming. “Everything happened very quickly at the end of the season, so I didn’t expect it,” the Mexican tells Formula1.com.
Future Plans
The former Red Bull driver has not yet had time to make concrete plans for his future. He shares, “I am currently in an incredible, dreamy position that I didn’t even realize I was in, so if you ask me now (what he is going to do), I don’t know. In the next six months, I will make a decision about what I want for the next step in my career.”
Sergio Pérez says he is not in a hurry to win a new project, as he is enjoying his newfound freedom. “It’s hard to describe, but I feel different as a person. It’s something I’ve never experienced before. I am perfectly happy.”
Although Mexican fans will have to miss the driver in the paddock for the time being, Pérez does not rule out a possible return to Formula 1. “I will return to F1 if that makes me happiest. That’s the only thing I’m thinking about, what will make me happier in the coming years.”
