Speculation surrounding Sergio Perez’s Formula E move comes after his father hinted shocking career twist for the Mexican driver as he contemplates his next steps following Red Bull F1 exit.
With no seat secured for the upcoming 2025 F1 season, speculation is mounting regarding a potential move to Formula E, the all-electric racing series that has been rapidly gaining popularity.
The speculation surrounding Sergio Perez’s Formula E move has been further fueled by comments from his father, Antonio Perez Garibay, who recently expressed optimism about his son’s future in motorsport.
The backdrop to this discussion comes after Perez’s disappointing performance during his final season with Red Bull. The 34-year-old driver finished eighth in the drivers’ standings and failed to secure a podium finish in the last 19 races of the season.
His struggles contributed to Red Bull’s inability to defend its Constructors’ Championship title, ultimately finishing third behind McLaren and Ferrari.
In light of these results, Red Bull decided to promote Liam Lawson from its junior ranks to partner with Max Verstappen for the 2025 F1 season, leaving the Mexican driver without a seat.
In recent interviews, Sergio Perez has indicated that he plans to take six months to evaluate his options before making any decisions about his racing future. He acknowledged the need for personal time and family engagement after years of intense competition.
“My priority is to enjoy myself, to do things I haven’t done, to be with my family,“ he told reporters at a press conference in Leon last week. “In the next six months, I will make a decision on what I want for the next step in my career.
“It’s too early to give an answer as to whether I intend to return to Formula 1. Everything happened very quickly at the end of last season, I didn’t expect to leave the team. My biggest motivation now is to take my children on a good path and be more present in their lives.
“I am very excited to be with my family because in F1 you only think about being a better driver, preparing yourself better, you don’t have time for anything else.”
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez’s father has been vocal about supporting his son and hinted at Perez’s Formula E move in the future.
Speaking at the Mexico City E-Prix, he remarked on the growth of Formula E since its inception, stating that it has become the second most prominent motorsport category globally and could soon surpass Formula 1.
“I would never have imagined Formula E and I would be careful because we could have Checo Pérez racing here,“ Perez Sr said.
“Of course, without any problem, [he could race in Formula E] the category has been around for 11 years, it is very young, today it is number two in the world and within the next five years it will be number one.
“That is why I am here. I am looking forward to what comes next.”
Antonio Perez’s comments are echoed by Alberto Longo, co-founder of the series, who expressed that they would welcome Sergio Perez with open arms. However, he underlined that the decision ultimately lies with the teams within the championship.
“We welcome him with open arms,“ Longo said. “I also say that it is not the decision of the championship’s promoters, which is us, but rather his decision and then that of the main teams because in the end, they are the ones who decide who sits in each of their cars.”
This sentiment highlights a crucial aspect in securing Perez’s Formula E move; while there is interest from the series and its promoters, it will depend on whether a team is willing to sign him.
The allure of Formula E for Perez lies not only in its competitive nature but also in its focus on sustainability and innovation. The series has attracted numerous former F1 drivers and continues to grow its fan base and sponsorship opportunities.
Perez’s Formula E move could provide a career lifeline – a fresh start where he can showcase his skills without competing under the shadow of Verstappen, who has dominated their time together at Red Bull.
Moreover, transitioning to Formula E could allow Perez more family time compared to the demanding F1 schedule. The Formula E calendar includes longer breaks between races, enabling him to be more present in his family’s life after years of relentless travel associated with F1.
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