Sergio Perez believes that people “will be surprised” by how competitive he will be on his Formula 1 return with Cadillac, stating that he has “a point to prove”.
The Mexican will make his return to F1 after a one-year hiatus from the sport, having been let go by Red Bull at the end of 2024.
Perez will join forces with fellow veteran Valtteri Bottas at the all-new Silverstone-based American outfit, the team becoming the 11th on the grid.
The 35-year-old will also put his skills to good use in a TPC test at Imola, in which he will drive a two-year-old Ferrari, the Italian marque being Cadillac’s engine supplier.
But speaking to Sky Sports F1, Perez revealed that he did not necessarily believe he would return, hinting that Cadillac eventually convinced him that he was ready to make that step.
“It took me about six months before I knew I wanted to come back,” he said. “I wanted to come back to finish my career properly. At the same time, I felt, does it really matter?
“If I don’t get the right project or motivation to come back, I was not even going to consider it for a second.”
Perez prepared to surprise people
Perez has never been doubted in terms of his ability, showing his speed on a myriad of occasions for lesser teams before finally being afforded his Red Bull chance.
Despite the relative silence out of the spotlight through much of 2025, Perez is now preparing for his Cadillac bow with huge excitement and is confident that he can surprise everyone by retaining his drive and his speed.
“I’m very excited. I believe I still have a lot to give to the sport,” he expressed.
“I’m very lucky with the career I’ve had but I want to finish it on a high. The last year of my career was difficult, and I know how good I can be with the right environment around me.
“I feel like people will be surprised on how competitive, how good I will be on my comeback. I have that motivation with me already.
“I have this final point to prove in my career and make sure I leave whenever I want to.”
READ MORE – Cadillac to field Sergio Perez in Ferrari F1 car at Imola
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