Sergio Perez reveals why taking time off from F1 was vital after his Red Bull struggles and explains his fresh start with Cadillac.
Introduction: Why Did Sergio Perez Step Away?
Have you ever felt so drained that you just needed to step away from everything? That’s exactly what Sergio “Checo” Perez experienced after a rollercoaster stint at Red Bull. Once seen as the perfect partner for Max Verstappen, Perez ended his Red Bull journey on a sour note, leading him to make a life-changing decision: take a break from Formula 1.
But why did one of the sport’s most experienced drivers feel the need to “disconnect”? Let’s dive in.
A Bitter End at Red Bull: What Went Wrong?
Perez’s story at Red Bull started with promise. He was the experienced hand, brought in to support Verstappen and bring home big points. In 2022, everything seemed fine—he even finished second in the championship. But by 2023, the dream turned into a nightmare.
Over the last 18 Grands Prix, Perez scored just 49 points. For a team like Red Bull, that was catastrophic. The slump didn’t just cost Perez; it cost Red Bull the constructors’ title they had dominated for two years.
The Car Built for Verstappen: Perez’s Struggle
Formula 1 cars are like tailored suits—they’re made to fit someone perfectly. And in this case, the suit was stitched for Max Verstappen. Perez tried everything: different setups, component switches, even drastic directional changes. But nothing clicked.
Imagine running a marathon in shoes two sizes too small—that’s how Perez felt trying to wrestle a car that didn’t suit his driving style.
From Runner-Up to Losing Grip: A Rapid Decline
Two years. That’s all it took for Perez to go from being runner-up in the championship to a driver who could barely stay in the top ten. The contrast was brutal, and it was clear Red Bull’s faith in him was evaporating.
Eventually, the inevitable happened: Christian Horner and Helmut Marko decided to cut ties.
The Emotional Toll: Why He Needed a Break
For Perez, this wasn’t just a career setback; it was an emotional storm. He had given everything, yet nothing worked. The pressure, the criticism, and the feeling of being second-best all the time took a toll.
When the dust settled, Perez realized he needed space—not just from Red Bull, but from the entire F1 circus.
Perez Speaks: Why Disconnecting Was Crucial
In his own words, Perez admitted that “it was very important to have this time away from the sport.” He didn’t want to just jump into another team for the sake of staying on the grid. Instead, he needed time to figure out what he really wanted.
And here’s the interesting part—he wasn’t even sure in the beginning what that was.
The Importance of Clarity Before Moving Forward
Perez took months to reflect. No rush, no panic. He wanted his next move to be more than just a seat filler role. That clarity only came when he started talking with Cadillac, who had a long-term project vision rather than a quick fix.
Perez Chooses Cadillac: Why This Project is Different
Why Cadillac? Because it wasn’t just another team fighting for midfield points. It was a fresh challenge, something that excited Perez enough to return. In his words, “This is a project. It’s not just going back to the grid.”
That passion—something he had lost at Red Bull—was back.
How Valtteri Bottas Fits Into the Picture
Perez won’t be alone in this new chapter. He will partner with Valtteri Bottas, a driver who knows what it’s like to play second fiddle at a top team. Together, they bring experience, resilience, and hunger to make Cadillac a competitive force.
Staying Fit: Perez’s Unexpected Realization
Here’s a fun twist—Perez discovered he actually enjoys training. He always thought he hated it, but the time off changed his perspective. He stayed active and fit, which means he’s not starting from zero.
No F1 Car, Just Karting: How He Kept Sharp
Perez hasn’t driven an F1 car since his last race, except for some karting with his son. While that’s not exactly Grand Prix-level training, it kept his reflexes alive.
The Comeback Plan: Testing Before 2025 Season
The good news? Perez won’t enter 2025 cold. Cadillac has plans for him to test an F1 car before the year ends. And with the amount of pre-season testing lined up, Perez is confident he’ll shake off any rust.
Will Perez Be Ready for Australia 2025?
Perez believes so. In fact, he sounds more motivated than ever. “I know what Formula 1 is about, and I will be ready to deliver from the first race onwards,” he said.
The Mindset Shift: From Survival to Ambition
What’s different this time? Perez isn’t coming back to survive—he’s coming back to build something new. And that’s a huge mental shift from his Red Bull days.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Checo
Sergio Perez’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, stepping away is the best way to come back stronger. After the chaos at Red Bull, Perez found clarity, purpose, and passion again. Now, with Cadillac, he’s ready to write a brand-new chapter.
FAQs
1. Why did Sergio Perez leave Red Bull?
Perez struggled to adapt to a car designed for Max Verstappen, leading to poor results and his eventual exit from the team.
2. Why did Perez take time away from Formula 1?
He needed time to mentally recover and decide what he truly wanted for the next phase of his career.
3. Why did Perez choose Cadillac for his F1 return?
Perez was excited by Cadillac’s long-term project and vision, rather than just fighting for points with a midfield team.
4. How did Sergio Perez stay fit during his break?
He trained regularly and even discovered a new passion for fitness, while also doing some casual karting.
5. Will Perez be ready for the 2025 F1 season?
Yes, Perez will test an F1 car before the season and undergo extensive pre-season testing to ensure he’s fully prepared.
