There are moments in a Formula 1 driver’s career when confidence disappears and uncertainty takes over. For Sergio Perez, the painful end to his Red Bull journey in 2024 became a lingering shadow, one that threatened to cast doubt over everything he had achieved in the sport.
After spending a year away from Formula 1, the Mexican driver returned to the grid in 2026 with Cadillac carrying a clear objective: to rediscover himself and prove that he still belongs among the best drivers in the world.
Facing the past and rebuilding confidence
The final statistics from his time at Red Bull painted a difficult picture. Sergio Perez scored just 44 points across 17 races, bringing to an end a period that had become increasingly challenging.
That difficult chapter has now been replaced by a new long-term project at Cadillac. While the American team has yet to establish itself as a regular points contender and has spent the opening seven Grands Prix of the season outside the top ten, Sergio Perez has consistently outperformed teammate Valtteri Bottas.
Speaking to the media, including RacingNews365, the Mexican driver openly acknowledged the struggles he experienced during the closing stages of his Red Bull career.
“If we analyse my final six months at Red Bull, it’s obvious that nobody would consider me one of the best drivers around,” Perez admitted.
“But if you look at the real facts and my current performances, those who truly understand this sport can see that I am still part of the elite. A driver needs the right environment to perform. I’m happy to be back to prove that to myself. This is a personal challenge where the only thing that matters is confidence in your own abilities.”
The Ferrari test that changed everything
According to Sergio Perez, the turning point came during an unexpected Ferrari test session that helped him regain belief in himself after a period of psychological struggle.
The 36-year-old explained that his confidence had reached an all-time low following the difficulties he encountered during the final phase of his Red Bull stint: “My confidence was at its lowest point because of the problems I experienced at the end of my time with Red Bull,” Perez revealed.
He then described the moment that changed his perspective: “When I got into the Ferrari and found the limit after only ten laps, despite not having driven for months, I realised that I wasn’t the problem. The problem was the circumstances around me.”
The Mexican believes his recent performances have confirmed that conclusion: “Over the last four races, my race pace and single-lap speed have shown that I haven’t lost my edge. This comeback is a message to anyone going through a similar crisis: often it’s not you who has become worse, it all depends on the environment around you.”
A fresh start with Cadillac
Although Cadillac is still building its competitiveness in Formula 1, Sergio Perez’s return has already begun to reshape the narrative surrounding his career. After a difficult and highly publicized departure from Red Bull, the Mexican driver appears determined to prove that his talent never disappeared.
For Perez, the challenge is no longer about silencing critics. Instead, it is about restoring his own belief and demonstrating that, given the right circumstances, he can still compete at the highest level of motorsport.
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