Sergio Perez knows Red Bull ‘regret' letting him go as F1 driver looks for new home in 2026
Sergio Perez says he knows Red Bull regret the decision to part ways with him amidst rumours he could be joining a new team in 2026.
The former Red Bull driver opened up recently on his departure from team, has it from 'a very good source' that 'deep down they are very sorry' for how the situation unfolded last year.
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The Mexican joined the team in 2021 for four campaigns beside champion Max Verstappen. What started as a successful venture where Perez won five Grand Prix and was influential in helping Verstappen to titles, later turned sour.
His poor form from 2023 followed Perez into last year, which left a frustrated Red Bull with the decision to let the 14-year veteran driver go.
'I mean, at the end of the day, that's how the sport is,' Perez said on the Desde el Paddock podcast.
'They made certain decisions because of the immense pressure, pressure that they themselves helped create.
'There was a lot of pressure on my side of the garage ... it was putting a lot of pressure on the engineers, on everyone involved, and I think in the end that ended up costing us a lot.'
'People might think I'm happy about it, but no ... we had a great team, and in the end it fell apart, little by little.'
But the decision hasn't worked out well for Red Bull who appointed Liam Lawson as Perez's replacement.
The New Zealander only lasted two races before being demoted for Racing Bulls (Red Bull's junior team) Yuki Tsunoda, who has also struggled as the team's second driver notching just seven points from eight races.
It leaves the team down in fourth in points standings and more than 200 away from leaders McLaren and without a driver who can replicate Perez's ability.
'I know, deep down, they regret it [parting ways]. And I know that from a very reliable source,' Perez said.
'Still, what can you do? You move on. It's tough. I have very good friends there, and people might think I take pleasure in what happened – but not.'
Perez confirmed he does have a desire to return to F1 'if the right project comes along' and that he does not want to be a team's third driver.
'I want to go back because I don't want to end my career like this,' he said. 'I'll go back if it's worth paying the price to be in F1.'
'I'm in no rush, we'll see what happens next year.'
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'I don't want to be travelling around the world as a third driver or waiting for an opportunity. I've been very fortunate with the career I've had, and I want to return because I don't want to end my career like this.
Perez has been linked with a move to Cadillac, who are joining F1 as the 11th team on the grid in 2026, but has also been linked Alpine.
One driver who has strongly suggested he could be taking one of Cadillac's two positions next year is fellow F1 veteran Valtteri Bottas.
The former Mercedes first team driver uploaded a clip this week to social media where he comes across a Cadillac truck.
'That's actually a nice seat … I wouldn't mind,' Bottas said in the clip.
'Want to sit in it?' another asked.
'Not yet' Bottas teased.
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