Mexican driver Sergio Perez is not expected to compete in Formula 1 during the 2025 season, but increasing speculation surrounds his potential comeback in 2026. This comes amid reports highlighting a shift in his management team, which many interpret as a sign of renewed ambitions in F1.
According to Perez’s former physiotherapist, Xavi Martos, this change in management is a notable indicator that the 35-year-old racer is far from retiring from the sport.
Background on Perez’s Formula 1 Career and Recent Challenges
Sergio Perez began his Formula 1 journey in 2011, progressing through teams such as Sauber, McLaren, and Force India — later Racing Point. His breakthrough came when he joined Red Bull Racing in 2021, serving as a strong second driver alongside Max Verstappen, who claimed four straight World Championships during this period.
Despite this, Perez’s performance in 2024 declined significantly. Although he initially renewed his contract with Red Bull earlier in the year, rumors surfaced about his uncertain future as Red Bull decided to replace him with rising talent Liam Lawson for the upcoming season.
Even with his sidelining in 2025 confirmed, talks persist about Perez potentially reentering the grid in 2026. Reports suggest that the new Cadillac F1 team has expressed interest in signing him, with Alpine also linked to his possible return.
Insight from Xavi Martos on Perez’s New Management and Motivation
Martos emphasized the significance of Perez appointing a new manager recently, replacing longtime representative Julian Jakobi, who had negotiated Perez’s prior Red Bull contract. Martos believes this managerial change points clearly towards continued racing ambitions, saying on the Duralavita podcast:
“I watched as a spectator and people have never said it,”
—Xavi Martos, former physiotherapist
“I wonder: Why does he have a new manager?”
—Xavi Martos, former physiotherapist
“If you don’t want to stop driving, you don’t hire a new manager. At least, that wouldn’t occur to me.”
—Xavi Martos, former physiotherapist
Perez himself confirmed the change in June, revealing that he signed Lebanese motorsport manager and consultant Khalil Beschir to guide his career forward.
In his own words during the Desde el Paddock podcast, Perez expressed his desire to continue racing:
“I want to go back because I don’t want to end my career like this,”
—Sergio Perez, Formula 1 driver
“I’ll go back if it’s worth paying the price to be in F1.”
—Sergio Perez, Formula 1 driver
What Perez’s Potential Return Means for Formula 1’s Future
The possibility of Sergio Perez returning to Formula 1 adds uncertainty and anticipation to the grid’s reshaping over the next two years. Having been a dependable teammate to Verstappen and a seasoned competitor throughout his career, Perez’s comeback could influence team dynamics, especially with new entrants like Cadillac entering the sport.
As the 2026 season draws nearer, the motorsport community will closely watch Perez’s negotiations and preparations, wondering if his comeback might restore some stability and experience to a rapidly evolving F1 landscape.