Sergio Perez admits there is 'no loyalty' in F1 after Aston Martin axe

Sergio Perez has admitted there is "no loyalty" in Formula 1 after being dropped by Racing Point before its Aston Martin transformation, despite helping Lawrence Stroll buy Force India. The Mexican was replaced by Sebastian Vettel for 2021, a setback that unexpectedly led to five grand prix wins with Red Bull and his current return to the grid with Cadillac.

Why it matters:

• Perez's comments expose the blunt commercial reality of F1, where even a driver who helped save a team from collapse can be discarded when a four-time champion becomes available.
• His exit sent him to Red Bull for five seasons, where he became a key figure in the team's championship battles alongside Max Verstappen.
• Now driving for Cadillac in 2026, his reflection underscores the resilience required to survive multiple career cycles in a sport with little sentiment.

The details:

• Perez triggered Force India's administration in 2018 to block liquidation, directly enabling Stroll's rescue takeover and the team's eventual rebranding.
• He held a three-year contract with options and expected to see through the project alongside Lance Stroll, only for Lawrence Stroll to sign Vettel instead.
• Perez delivered his maiden victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix with Racing Point, a result that convinced Red Bull to sign him despite his belief that he would "never" drive for a team wedded to junior talent.
• A 2024 performance collapse ended his Red Bull stint, leading to a year on the sidelines before his comeback with Cadillac for 2026.

What's next:

With Cadillac finding its feet in its debut F1 season, Perez's experience navigating the paddock's political and competitive pressures is seen as vital. His journey from the sidelines back to the grid reflects a career built on adaptability rather than loyalty.