Sergio Perez claims Red Bull have given him a new ‘motivation’ for F1 retirement

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Sergio Perez has revealed the ‘main motivation’ behind his return to the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac, following a disappointing ending to his tenure with Red Bull Racing in 2024.

Despite being at the wheel of backmarker machinery during Cadillac’s first campaign in the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport, Sergio Perez has still managed to showcase why the American constructor chose him to lead their charge.

What do you expect from Sergio Perez in the 2026 F1 season?

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The Mexican racing driver was agonisingly unlucky to lose out on a P10 finish at the chequered flag in Monaco last weekend, with a ten-second penalty being tacked on to his race time after he was deemed to be out of position at the restart.

Perez’s new lease on life in F1 comes after 12 months on the sidelines, and he has now revealed how his exit from Red Bull gave him even more motivation to come back and prove that he is worthy of a seat in the sport.

• READ MORE: David Coulthard admits he was wrong to doubt F1 driver who was ‘on the beach’ last year

Sergio Perez reveals ‘main motivation’ behind his return to F1 with Cadillac following Red Bull exit

During an interview with the Spanish press inside the Barcelona Grand Prix paddock, Perez outlined how he sees Fernando Alonso as a big inspiration, considering he is still competing at the top of his abilities at 44 years old.

Should Sergio Perez be more grateful to Red Bull?

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The Cadillac ace noted that he is unlikely to emulate his rival’s longevity, and was asked if the sport is simply too draining for him to aspire to still be racing into his 40s.

“No, because I think that, in the end, I’ve enjoyed it; I’ve done everything I wanted to do, and I want to leave on a high and focus on other things,” he replied, via Mundo Deportivo.

“The year I was away, I realised there’s so much life outside Formula 1 that I want to enjoy; I have four children too, and I want to spend much more time with them.

“Ultimately, when you’re a Formula 1 driver, you leave a lot of things behind. It’s very worthwhile, but there also comes a point where you’re no longer willing to leave so much behind with your family.”

He was then asked about the unfinished business he has in F1 following his ousting from a full-time race seat at Red Bull at the end of 2024. Perez had a contract in place for 2025, but the Austrian constructor opted to pay him off in favour of Liam Lawson.

• READ MORE: FIA ignored Sergio Perez ‘all race’ about Monaco Grand Prix issue that caused Charles Leclerc DNF

“Leaving on my own terms and proving to myself that I can leave as one of the best drivers on the grid – that’s my main motivation,” he added.

“When I was at Red Bull, I couldn’t show my full potential, and I feel that’s something I want to prove to myself. Ultimately, it’s a personal battle with myself.”