Nico Hulkenberg believes Sergio Pérez’s year-long sabbatical from Formula 1 could work in his favour as he prepares to make a comeback with Cadillac in 2026.
Perez, who parted ways with Red Bull at the end of 2024 after four seasons with the Austrian outfit, will spearhead General Motors’ new works entry as the American manufacturer joins the grid under F1’s sweeping regulations reset.
The Mexican will return as one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, and according to Hulkenberg, the time away could be exactly what he needed.
Hulkenberg, who stepped out of F1 himself between 2020 and 2022 before returning full-time, said the chance to disconnect can often be a positive.
Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Hulkenberg admitted his own absence from F1 was far longer, but insisted Pérez’s sabbatical could also play to his advantage.
“I think it’s slightly different – I obviously had quite a lot of time out, three years instead of one,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I think it all depends on how competitive their [Cadillac’s] package will be also. It’s linked to that. I think it was probably positive and refreshing for him to disconnect and to watch it all with some good distance from the comfort of your couch at home.
“It’s quite an interesting experience. I’m sure it was good for him. I know that he feels charged and still ready to go and to give.”
Hulkenberg and Perez were team-mates at Force India between 2014 and 2016, and the 38-year-old knows first-hand the qualities he can bring to a new project – which will see Perez partner up with Valtteri Bottas for 2026.
Hulkenberg reflects on the 2026 grid and time away from F1
After reflecting on Perez’s return, Hulkenberg was asked how his current team, Sauber — set to become Audi’s works entry in 2026 — might fare against Cadillac and the rest of the grid.
“I hope that we’re in front, but that’s pure speculation, he added. “Not just with Cadillac and Audi, but with everyone. It’s such a big change, such a big reset. I don’t like speculating about that, especially just against one team.
“There are 11 teams next year and everyone is obviously working hard right now to put the best car and package on the road. But we just need to keep focused, work hard and see what happens.”
Hulkenberg was then asked to expand on the benefits of taking time away from F1, beyond what he had already mentioned.
“I think it’s very personal and independent,” he explained on how a break from the sport benefits a driver. “Everyone is different. But for me personally, it was very, very positive and refreshing.
“But then again, I had almost three proper years away, which is a long time. It’s what I needed at the time. And again, I can only talk for myself. It was very positive in hindsight.”
READ MORE – The ‘similar trend’ Nico Hulkenberg sees between his two Sauber F1 stints
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