Sergio Perez believes he has nothing to prove as he returns to the Formula 1 paddock in 2026 with Cadillac, Afrosport reports.
The 35-year-old Mexican will race for the American outfit alongside Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas when new technical regulations for the sport kick in.
Perez was dropped by Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024 after a torrid run of form, which saw him finish eighth in the drivers’ championship while Red Bull ended third in the constructors’ championship, 77 points behind winners McLaren.
His axing from Red Bull is seen as an all-time low, but the six-time Grand Prix winner pointed to the continued struggles of the energy drink-backed team as a point that his dip in form was not of his own doing.
“I feel like there’s nothing to prove, not just because of the current drivers or the next drivers that were in my seat, but even before that,” Perez said.
“Now everyone forgets about it, but it’s been a very tricky place to be in, to constantly be adapting, to build confidence mentally. It’s a very unique challenge.
“I don’t think I have anything to prove when you see the amount of points they’ve scored. It’s like five points in the entire season [seven points].
“To me, it’s more of a comeback to enjoy the sport. I want to enjoy the sport that I love, the sport that has given me so much. I couldn’t afford to leave the way I left the sport, and this is why I’m coming back with this new project.
“I hope it’s a very successful one. But amongst that, more than anything, I want to enjoy this comeback.”
Welcome back, Checo! 👋🫶#F1 @SChecoPerez pic.twitter.com/eP8tfKurU3
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 26, 2025
Perez has five races from 90 starts for Red Bull, claiming three pole positions, eight fastest laps and 29 podiums.
