Family priorities and unfinished ambitions shape the Mexican driver’s future.
MEXICO CITY
Mexican Formula One driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez has acknowledged that retirement may be approaching, although he has not announced a departure date. The 36-year-old remains committed to Cadillac’s ambitious entry into the championship but admits that building a competitive team is proving more demanding than he initially expected.
Speaking in an interview with Mexican journalist Danielle Dithurbide, Pérez explained that his current project requires considerable time and personal dedication. While he remains enthusiastic about racing, he does not expect to continue competing indefinitely.
His comments come during Cadillac’s debut Formula One season, following his return to the championship after spending 2025 away from competition.
Pérez joined the American manufacturer on a two-year agreement announced in August 2025, beginning a new chapter after his departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024.
The Mexican previously competed for Sauber, McLaren, Force India and Racing Point before joining Red Bull, where he helped secure constructors’ championships and finished runner-up in the 2023 drivers’ standings.
His experience made him an important addition to Cadillac, which faces the considerable engineering and organizational demands of establishing a new Formula One operation.
Despite the team’s difficult debut campaign, Pérez maintains that returning to racing was the right decision. He has expressed satisfaction with his current environment and believes his experience can contribute to Cadillac’s long-term development.
Yet his future involves considerations extending beyond performance.
The driver has acknowledged that his children increasingly influence his decisions. Although he admires Fernando Alonso’s longevity in Formula One, Pérez wants to spend more time with his family and pursue interests outside motorsport.
That personal dimension helps explain why he has avoided committing to an extended career, even while remaining motivated by Cadillac’s progress.
Pérez has also indicated that he would prefer to conclude his career after helping the American team reach a stronger competitive position. However, he has not made achieving a particular result an officially confirmed condition for retirement.
His immediate attention is focused on the Mexican Grand Prix, where he is preparing to celebrate his 300th Formula One race appearance.
The milestone carries particular significance because it will take place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez before a home crowd that has supported him throughout his international career.
Pérez has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Mexican fans, describing their continued encouragement as one of the reasons he returned to the championship.
For Cadillac, retaining an experienced driver offers continuity while the team develops its technical capabilities. For Pérez, the challenge is balancing that responsibility with changing personal priorities.
His current contract runs through 2027, but its expiration should not be interpreted as a confirmed retirement date.
The Mexican driver has left open the possibility of future decisions while making clear that the final phase of his career is approaching.
For now, his focus remains on enjoying the remaining races, contributing to Cadillac’s development and recognizing the significance of competing once again in Mexico.
Beyond the Finish Line, Legacy Matters.