Jonas Leo
Sergio Perez, the seasoned Mexican Formula 1 driver, has shed light on the profound impact a forced sabbatical had on his perception of the sport, revealing a significant shift in his outlook on racing and professional commitment. The driver, who is set to return to the grid with Cadillac in 2026, described his period away from the intense Formula 1 environment as a crucial awakening, allowing him to "realise a lot of things" that were obscured by the relentless pace of the championship.
Perez’s unexpected departure from Red Bull Racing, where he competed for four seasons, came at the close of the 2024 season. He was replaced for the 2025 campaign by promising rookie Liam Lawson, a decision that left Perez without a full-time seat for the subsequent season. This turn of events prompted an involuntary break from the pinnacle of motorsport, a period he now identifies as invaluable for regaining perspective.
"I didn’t feel at the time [but I needed the break]," Perez confided in an interview with F1.com, reflecting on the immediate aftermath of his Red Bull exit. He elaborated on the consuming nature of life within the sport: "When you are in the sport, you are carried away with the fact that you are always thinking about your next year, your next race, your next contract. It’s like you are in automatic mode." This automatic, forward-thinking approach, while necessary for survival and progression in F1, often blurs the broader picture, reducing the experience to a series of immediate objectives.
The 35-year-old driver underscored how this relentless cycle prevents a deeper appreciation for the privilege of competing at such a high level. "But once you are forced to step out of it like I was, you realise a lot of things and you see the sport different," he explained, highlighting the detachment necessary for true introspection.
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The "bubble" of Formula 1, as Perez aptly described it, is a highly insulated and demanding ecosystem. Within this environment, drivers operate under immense pressure, not only from their teams and sponsors but also from an unforgiving global media and a fiercely competitive peer group. The constant pursuit of marginal gains, the meticulous analysis of data, the rigorous physical training, and the extensive travel schedule combine to create an all-encompassing lifestyle. For a driver, every decision, every lap, and every race carries significant weight, impacting contract negotiations, team dynamics, and personal reputation.
"When you are in that bubble of Formula 1 – because at the end of the day, Formula 1 is a bubble – as a driver you worry about a lot of factors," Perez continued. "You are not always satisfied because you didn’t take the extra time that was in there and so on and you forget that the main thing is to enjoy it, because at the end of the day, we are privileged to be able to do what we love." This insight points to a common psychological challenge faced by elite athletes: the internalisation of performance metrics to such an extent that the inherent joy of the activity can be overshadowed by the drive for perfection.
Perez’s reflection echoes sentiments shared by other high-profile athletes who have stepped away from demanding sports. The singular focus required to excel at the apex of any discipline can inadvertently diminish the simple pleasure derived from participation. For Formula 1 drivers, whose careers are often shorter and more physically and mentally taxing than many other sports, the ability to maintain enjoyment amidst the pressure cooker environment is crucial for longevity and sustained performance.
"That to me was like the biggest lesson: that you have to enjoy the sport because we are so competitive and we are so focused on giving our maximum that you forget to enjoy it," he concluded, pinpointing the core revelation of his hiatus.
Perez’s tenure at Red Bull Racing was marked by periods of exceptional performance interspersed with challenging phases. Joining the team in 2021, he was instrumental in securing the Constructors’ Championship for Red Bull in 2022 and 2023, playing a vital supporting role to his teammate, Max Verstappen. His "Minister of Defence" moniker was earned through crucial defensive drives, particularly in the dramatic 2021 season finale. Perez also secured two memorable victories in 2023, winning in Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan, initially positioning himself as a strong championship contender. However, a mid-season slump saw him struggle to consistently match Verstappen’s pace, particularly in qualifying, which ultimately put his seat under scrutiny. The decision to replace him with Liam Lawson for 2025, a driver who impressed significantly during his substitute appearances for AlphaTauri in 2023, underscored Red Bull’s stringent performance expectations.
Despite the initial disappointment of losing his seat, the time away allowed Perez to reassess his deep-seated connection to motorsport. "In the beginning, the first couple of months were great," he recounted. "I realised that I missed [F1] because I kept following it. I kept waking up for the races." This involuntary separation, rather than leading to detachment, reignited his passion, confirming that his desire to compete remained strong. "I could see what was happening – I was talking to friends that were in the paddock, and I realised that probably I missed it more than I thought."
This renewed enthusiasm coincided with a significant development in the Formula 1 landscape: the entry of Cadillac as a new power unit manufacturer and team in collaboration with Andretti Global, slated for the 2026 season. Cadillac’s ambitious foray into F1 represents a major commitment from a storied American automotive giant, aligning with the sport’s new engine regulations that will see the introduction of simplified hybrid power units and a greater reliance on sustainable fuels.
Perez’s experience, particularly his ability to adapt to different machinery and his reputation for strong race craft and tire management, made him an attractive candidate for a nascent team looking for a blend of speed and leadership. His signing with Cadillac, alongside the experienced Valtteri Bottas – a former Mercedes driver and long-time competitor – signals a clear intent from the American outfit to build a competitive team from the outset. Bottas, who spent five seasons alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes before moving to Sauber (now Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber), brings a wealth of knowledge from a top-tier team, complementing Perez’s own extensive F1 career spanning over a decade.
The prospect of joining a brand-new project, especially one with the backing and ambition of Cadillac and Andretti, offers a unique challenge and opportunity. For Perez, it presents a chance to contribute to a team’s foundational development, leveraging his vast experience to guide its trajectory. The 2026 regulations also promise a more level playing field, potentially allowing new entrants to be competitive more quickly, further enhancing the appeal of such a venture.
"And then when the conversation started with Cadillac and we could see that passion for racing, then, yeah, I felt like I still have something left in me," Perez affirmed, indicating that the genuine enthusiasm from the new team resonated with his rekindled motivation.
Perez’s Formula 1 journey began in 2011 with Sauber, showcasing early flashes of brilliance, including multiple podium finishes. His career then took him to McLaren in 2013, followed by a highly successful stint with Force India/Racing Point from 2014 to 2020, where he solidified his reputation as a consistent points scorer and occasional podium contender, notably securing his maiden F1 victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020. This triumph directly paved the way for his move to Red Bull Racing.
His return with Cadillac in 2026, following this period of reflection, suggests a driver who is not only re-energised but also armed with a clearer understanding of what truly matters in his profession. The experience of being outside the "bubble" has evidently provided a valuable recalibration, allowing him to approach his second act in Formula 1 with renewed vigour and a more holistic appreciation for the sport he loves. This newfound perspective could well be the catalyst for a more focused and ultimately, more enjoyable, chapter in his illustrious racing career. His stated belief that "we will surprise people" upon his return underscores a quiet confidence born from this transformative time away.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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