Sergio Perez says he will take at least six months off after being dropped from Red Bull but admitted an “interesting project” could tempt him back into the cockpit.

After 14 consecutive seasons in Formula 1, Perez was on the sidelines in 2025 after a very disappointing performance in 2024 that saw him replaced by Liam Lawson.

While his recent struggles have made it difficult for the 34-year-old Mexican to envision a path back to an F1 seat, his experience and immense popularity mean a return cannot be ruled out.

Perez was asked about his future, his first public comments since being fired by Red Bull in December, when he gave an inspirational speech to students at a state fair in his hometown.

He said: “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s too early to give an answer. Everything happened very quickly at the end of the season, so I didn’t expect it.

“Right now I’m in an incredible, fantastic position that I didn’t even realize I was in, so if you ask me right now, I don’t know. I’m very happy with my life and very happy about the future. excited.

“Of course, if I receive a good, interesting project, then I will definitely consider it and think about it. It will all come in its own time.

“Right now, my priority for the next few months is to have fun, do the things I can’t do, travel, be with my family…

“Over the next six months I will decide what I want to do next in my career.”

“Freedom is incredible”

After finishing 1-2 behind Max Verstappen to claim Red Bull’s first drivers’ title in 2023, Perez has made a strong start to 2024, finishing every time in the first six races. Finished in the top five every race and finished on the podium four times.

He was quickly extended his contract, but then his form declined sharply, scoring only 9 points in the final eight rounds.

Red Bull ultimately had no choice but to agree to cancel Perez’s new contract, with looming threats from McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes convincing team boss Christian Horner that a stronger second driver was needed.

Perez faces an extremely difficult time in 2024 as his future is constantly subject to speculation, but he said he is enjoying the freedom that comes with being fired.

“It’s incredible,” he added. “It’s hard to describe, but I feel different as a person. It’s something I’ve never experienced (before). I’m very happy.

“I’ll go back to F1 if it makes me happiest. That’s what I’ll be thinking about over the next few years what will make me happier.”

Watch all 24 race weekends of the 2025 Formula 1 season on Sky Sports F1, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16. Watch Sky Sports live now – no contract, cancel anytime