Sergio Pérez has admitted that he could walk away from Formula 1 despite being under contract with Cadillac until the end of 2027, with his family potentially playing a decisive role in determining how long he remains in the sport.
The Mexican returned to the grid with Cadillac after a year away from racing, but the 36-year-old is already thinking about life beyond Formula 1. Although he remains motivated by the American team’s long-term project, Pérez has acknowledged that the demands of the sport are becoming increasingly difficult to balance with family life.
“Oh, that’s complicated,” Pérez told Motorsport.com when asked about his future in Formula 1.
“I really enjoy Formula 1 and am happy to be back, and I’m now in an environment where I really enjoy the races. Ultimately, it’s my passion, but I’m also aware of my family and my children.”
The former Red Bull driver said he understands why veterans such as Fernando Alonso continue racing into their forties, but suggested that his own priorities could lead him towards an earlier retirement.
“It’s very tempting to stay in this sport that we enjoy so much, isn’t it?” Pérez explained.
“But for me, my children undoubtedly come first; I want to spend more time with them, especially as they are now entering a crucial age. I don’t have much time left.”
Pérez could remain in Formula 1 for another decade
Despite those concerns, Pérez has not ruled out a lengthy continuation of his career. The six-time Grand Prix winner believes he could remain competitive enough to continue racing for years, even as he considers other ambitions outside the championship.
“Because I could easily stay in Formula 1 for another ten years, but I’m really keen on other things beyond Formula 1,” he said.
The comments suggest that Pérez’s eventual departure may not necessarily be dictated by his performance or the competitiveness of his team. Instead, the Mexican appears increasingly conscious of the personal sacrifices required to remain in the sport.
His immediate focus, however, remains on making the Cadillac project a success.
Cadillac’s struggles have not dampened Pérez’s motivation
Cadillac is facing the challenge of establishing itself against more experienced competitors in its first Formula 1 season. Building a competitive team from scratch is a substantial undertaking, and Pérez’s experience is an important asset as the American manufacturer develops its operation.
Despite the difficulties, the driver insists that he remains committed to seeing how much progress he can make with the team.
“I want to see how far I can take it,” Pérez said, describing himself as still “very motivated” by the Cadillac project.
His contract runs until the end of 2027, meaning there is no immediate requirement for him to leave Formula 1. Nevertheless, his latest comments indicate that his longer-term future is not something he intends to take for granted.
Family could determine when Pérez retires
Pérez’s eventual decision will depend on more than the terms of his Cadillac contract or the team’s progress on track. He made clear that the time spent away from his children is becoming an increasingly important consideration.
The Mexican acknowledged that the lifestyle required of Formula 1 drivers comes at a personal cost, particularly for those with young families.
“It’s a price you have to pay, isn’t it? To be here. The life of a driver, or anyone who works in Formula 1, isn’t easy,” he said.
Pérez made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber in 2011 before racing for McLaren, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull. He spent four seasons with Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, winning five Grands Prix during that period, before leaving the team at the end of 2024.
After a year away from the championship, he returned with Cadillac for the team’s debut season.
For now, Pérez remains focused on the challenge ahead. But while he believes he could continue in Formula 1 for another ten years, his comments make clear that his career will ultimately be measured against something more important than longevity: the time he wants to spend with his family.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
