'Short memories': Axed star Sergio Perez approached by 'several teams' for F1 return
Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez says he is in talks with "several" Formula 1 teams about a return to the grid after having his contract ended two years early.
A six-time race winner across 14 years in F1, Perez was replaced at Red Bull this season by Liam Lawson, who also struggled and has been demoted ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix – just the third race of the season.
"Especially last year, I didn’t get to show what I’m able to do as a driver," Perez said in an interview with the F1 website.
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Sergio Perez is in talks for an F1 return after he was dumped by Red Bull at the end of last year. Getty
"Now, all of a sudden, people realise how difficult the car is to drive."
The 35-year-old Mexican said he had been "approached by a few teams" since his final race with Red Bull at Abu Dhabi last year.
He had spent four seasons as Max Verstappen's teammate, with a best result of second in the drivers' title in 2023.
"There are a few very interesting projects out there. It’s good to be in this position knowing that people are keen on you as a drive," Perez said.
"People have short memories in F1. People realise that my position was not the easiest one in F1. And I’ve done extremely well overall."
He said from his home in Mexico he will take "at least six months" to weigh his options and decide on a next career move.
F1 will expand to 11 teams in 2026 as General Motors enters the sport with its Cadillac brand. It has not yet announced its driver line-up. With significant investment from Mexican businesses, the experienced Perez could be an option.
Verstappen’s new Red Bull teammate at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend is Yuki Tsunoda.
