Sergio Perez has announced that he is in discussions with several teams about a possible return to Formula 1 in 2026.

The 35-year-old Mexican driver was released from his Red Bull contract at the end of last season after a disappointing year. This left him without a seat on the grid for the first time since his debut in 2011, after participating in 281 races.

He has been relatively quiet since then, but amidst rumors that the new Cadillac team might be interested in him for their debut next year, Perez has now confirmed that he has received interest from several teams.

`If I find a project that truly motivates me to return, where the team believes in me and values my career, my experience, and what I can contribute, it would be very appealing to consider,` Perez mentioned in an interview with the official F1 website.

`That`s why I`ve given myself at least six months to evaluate all my options and decide on the next steps in my career.`

Regarding the interest in him, Perez added: `There are several very interesting projects available. I have been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Now that the season has started, more opportunities will likely arise in the coming months.`

`We are in talks with several parties. Once I have a clear picture of all my options, I will make a decision. What is very clear to me is that I will only return if the project is meaningful and something I can enjoy.`

Perez noted that `people in F1 have short memories` and expressed his encouragement at the interest in him, adding: `People are realizing that my position was not the easiest in F1, and I have performed exceptionally well overall.`

The position he is referring to is the second seat at Red Bull, which has already changed occupants again shortly after his departure.

After his initial replacement, Liam Lawson, struggled significantly in the RB21 during the first two races of the season, failing to advance beyond the first qualifying round in each and not scoring any points, the more experienced Yuki Tsunoda has been brought into the car alongside Max Verstappen starting from this weekend`s Japanese Grand Prix.

`Especially last year, I didn`t have the chance to demonstrate my full potential as a driver,` Perez added. `Now, suddenly, people are realizing just how challenging the car is to drive.`

Yuki Tsunoda's seat fit in his new Red Bull
Image:
Yuki Tsunoda now takes over what Christian Horner has often described as the `hardest seat in F1`

`When I joined Red Bull, there were already great drivers who had struggled – Alex [Albon], Pierre [Gasly], they are fantastic drivers and they struggled.`

`I spent so long at Red Bull that everyone forgot how difficult the car is to drive, so that was tricky.`

However, Perez emphasized that `I want to see them doing well` and said about Tsunoda: `Yuki has the talent, the speed, and importantly, the mentality to handle it.`

`I think he has the right mentality and the right attitude to cope with it.`

Japanese GP Schedule Live

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Look back on some of the most exciting title deciders to take place at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Schedule:

Thursday April 3

  • 5am: Drivers` Press Conference

Friday April 4

  • 3am: Japanese GP Practice One (session starts at 3.30am)*
  • 5.30am: Team Principals` Press Conference
  • 6.45am: Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 7am)*
  • 8.15am: The F1 Show*

Saturday April 5

  • 3.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts at 3.30am)*
  • 6am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
  • 7am: Japanese GP Qualifying*
  • 9am: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook*

Sunday April 6

  • 4.30am: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
  • 6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
  • 8am: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
  • 9am: Ted`s Notebook*

*also live

Formula 1 heads to the Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6.