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Perez returns to F1: 'Want to prove after Red Bull that I belong at the top'
A year after a mentally draining and 'toxic' spell at Red Bull, Sergio Perez returns to Formula 1 with Cadillac, driven by the desire to prove he still belongs among the best.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-07-13T20:44:12.000Z - 1 min read
Sergio Perez is gearing up for a comeback to Formula 1. The Mexican will join the new Cadillac team in 2026, a decision stemming from a deep-seated ambition to re-establish his position at the pinnacle of motorsport.
His return follows a deliberate one-year sabbatical. This period was essential to recharge after what he described as a particularly demanding and even 'toxic' final phase of his tenure at Red Bull Racing.
The final six months with the Milton Keynes-based outfit took a heavy mental toll, Perez hinted. Such an experience demanded distance and reflection before he could fully refocus on the demands of Formula 1.
With his batteries fully recharged, his main goal is crystal clear: to demonstrate that he remains among the most talented drivers on the grid. Perez aims to show through this new chapter that his drive and skill remain undiminished.