Sergio Perez opens up about his F1 comeback, his love for the sport, and hopes for Cadillac’s 2026 debut in ”.
Formula 1 has seen countless comebacks, but few feel as emotional or as deeply personal as Sergio Perez’s return to the grid in 2026. After a painful Red Bull exit and a year-long absence, Perez isn’t just back in the cockpit—he’s rediscovered his passion for racing. His new chapter with Cadillac promises fresh energy, bold ambitions, and a determination to end his F1 journey on his own terms.
Before diving into his journey, let’s explore the key areas that shaped Perez’s transformation and his hopes for Cadillac’s big debut.
Introduction
Sergio Perez’s name has always resonated with resilience. But his latest chapter is something different—more reflective, more personal, and more inspiring. His journey from a crushing end at Red Bull to a rejuvenated start with Cadillac is a reminder that sometimes stepping away is the only way to move forward. And as he prepares for his return in 2026, Perez believes he and Cadillac are ready to “surprise a lot of people.”
Perez’s Emotional Exit from Red Bull
Leaving Red Bull wasn’t part of Perez’s plan. At the end of 2023, he was on a high, finishing runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship and securing a new contract. But the 2024 season brought a steep drop in form. With only nine points scored in the final eight races, the pressure mounted—until both sides agreed to part ways.
It wasn’t just a career setback. It shook his confidence and left him stepping away from a sport he had given everything to since his teenage years.
The Brutal Toll of His Final Season
Perez admitted that those last six months at Red Bull were some of the toughest of his life. The intense scrutiny, public criticism, and constant comparisons eroded the joy he once felt. Racing stopped feeling like racing—it became a burden.
He was drained, demotivated, and in desperate need of space.
A Much-Needed Break: Rediscovering Himself
Perez didn’t immediately realize how much he needed the break. He had spent nearly 20 years racing nonstop. Formula 1 had become a cycle of contracts, races, and pressure.
But stepping away broke that rhythm.
He finally had time to reflect. Time to breathe. Time to see the sport from the outside, not trapped inside its relentless bubble.
Falling Back in Love with Formula 1
The break did something unexpected—it reminded him why he loved racing in the first place.
He still woke up early to watch races. He still chatted with friends inside the paddock. He still analyzed strategies and performances.
He missed it more than he thought.
Perez described this moment beautifully: being away helped him see F1 with fresh eyes, like a painter stepping back from a canvas to see the whole picture.
The Spark That Cadillac Ignited
When discussions with teams began, Cadillac quickly stood out. They didn’t just want a driver—they wanted a leader. A project anchor. Someone who could help shape their F1 debut from the ground up.
Perez felt their passion. Their hunger. Their belief.
It reminded him of the early days of Force India—a team built on ambition and spirit.
Why Cadillac Was the Perfect Fit
For Perez, Cadillac offered something rare: a fresh challenge and the chance to influence every corner of the team. After years in an established, high-pressure structure like Red Bull, Cadillac felt like a blank page.
He called it “a dream scenario.”
A year of rest. A reset. Then a brand-new start with a team eager to learn, grow, and compete.
A Fresh Mindset for a Fresh Start
Perez’s biggest lesson from his break was simple: enjoy the moment. He realized he had spent years chasing perfection, losing the joy of driving in the process.
Now, he wants to savor it. Not every lap will be perfect, but every lap is a privilege.
Learning to Enjoy the Sport Again
Formula 1 is a bubble—one filled with pressure, expectations, and criticism. Perez now sees enjoyment not as a luxury, but as fuel. Without it, even the fastest car feels slow.
His goal in 2026 isn’t just to score points. It’s to rediscover the thrill of competition.
The Challenge Ahead: Cadillac’s 2026 Entry
Entering Formula 1 as a new team is a mountain of a challenge. But Cadillac has something rare: a diverse lineup of engineers from across the paddock and massive investment from General Motors.
They’re building from scratch, but not blindly.
How GM’s Investment Boosts Confidence
Perez has been impressed by Cadillac’s commitment—from advanced facilities to experienced hires. The structure is solid, the determination is real, and the resources are strong.
It’s not a makeshift project. It’s a long-term plan.
Perez’s Deep Involvement with the New Team
Since signing, Perez has thrown himself into the project. Meetings. Simulator work. Technical feedback. Strategy sessions.
And recently, he drove a modern F1 car again—a 2023 Ferrari—to sharpen his instincts before diving into development.
For Cadillac, his experience is gold. For Perez, it’s rejuvenating.
Ambitions for 2026: “We Will Surprise People”
Perez isn’t promising podiums on day one—but he believes Cadillac will turn heads.
For him, what matters most is progress. Growth. Momentum.
He wants the team to start strong, learn fast, and climb quickly.
And he genuinely believes they will.
Perez’s Final F1 Project: Ending on His Terms
This comeback isn’t just another chapter—it’s Perez’s final one. He wants to close his career with purpose, pride, and joy.
As he said: “I want to make sure I make it a successful comeback.”
With Cadillac, he finally feels he can.
Conclusion
Sergio Perez’s journey is one of rediscovery, resilience, and hope. His time away from Formula 1 didn’t pull him away from the sport—it pulled him back in, stronger than before. With Cadillac, he sees not just an opportunity, but the chance to build a legacy and end his career with passion and dignity.
2026 won’t be easy. But Perez is ready. Cadillac is ready. And together, they just might surprise everyone.
FAQs
1. Why did Sergio Perez leave Red Bull?
Perez left Red Bull after a difficult 2024 season marked by declining performance and mutual agreement to part ways despite his ongoing contract.
2. What made Perez return to Formula 1 in 2026?
A year away reignited his passion for racing, and discussions with Cadillac convinced him he still had more to give to the sport.
3. Why did Perez choose Cadillac over other teams?
Cadillac offered him a leadership role in building a brand-new F1 team—a rare and exciting opportunity.
4. What are Cadillac’s goals for their first F1 season?
While they aren’t expecting instant podiums, the goal is steady progress and “surprising people,” according to Perez.
5. Is this Perez’s final stint in Formula 1?
Yes, Perez sees this as his final chapter in the sport and wants to finish his career on his own terms.
