Perez admits he had doubts about returning to F1 with Cadillac

Sergio Perez has admitted he harbored genuine doubts about returning to Formula 1 with Cadillac, revealing that his year away from the grid left him questioning whether he still belonged at the highest level. The Mexican, who spent 2025 on the sidelines following his abrupt Red Bull exit, says he was "burnt" by the sport's politics and had already begun building a fulfilling life outside racing before the American manufacturer's ambitious project convinced him to come back.

Why it matters:

Perez's candid admission highlights the mental toll of his final months at Red Bull and underscores that his return was driven by genuine conviction rather than desperation. As a six-time race winner joining a new team, his willingness to return despite deep reservations adds significant credibility to Cadillac's project and signals that the challenge was compelling enough to lure a driver who had made peace with leaving Formula 1 behind.

The details:

• Perez admitted he was "burnt with the sport" after his 2024 Red Bull departure, feeling it could be "unfair at times" and initially believing it was "time to move on."
• He spent 2025 establishing business ventures and personal projects outside F1, insisting he would only return for a challenge that genuinely motivated him rather than clinging to his career.
• Despite Cadillac's midfield machinery, Perez believes he has proven he is "still one of the best," arguing his performances must be judged relative to the car's capabilities rather than headline results alone.
• His consistent form has reportedly attracted interest from rival teams, though Perez insists his immediate focus is on helping Cadillac develop rather than entertaining external offers.

What's next:

Perez remains committed to seeing Cadillac's long-term project through, but the growing interest from elsewhere on the grid suggests his future options may expand if the team cannot progress quickly enough. For now, the 36-year-old appears revitalized by a comeback that silenced his own doubts, though whether Cadillac can give him a car worthy of his renewed confidence remains the critical question.