Pérez Sr has 'no doubt' that his son will return to F1 after Red Bull exit
F1 News
- Kimberley Hoefnagel
Antonio Pérez Garibay, the father of former Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez, is confident that his son will make a swift return to Formula 1. The Mexican businessman believes that many drivers who have taken a sabbatical in the past, like Niki Lauda and Fernando Alonso, have come back even stronger. Therefore, he expects Checo to follow in their footsteps.
Speaking to Mexican Esto, Pérez Sr. says his son still dreams of returning to Formula 1. Right now, Sergio is thoroughly enjoying his new family life, he reveals. "He is now experiencing something he has not experienced before, something he did not know before, namely, the theme of family and the commitment to his family and children. He now has the opportunity to accompany 'Chequito' across the country during a football tournament. He never got that support from childhood because of his father's commitments, but today, they are all together as a wonderful family."
'I have no doubt Checo will get an opportunity to return'
While family life suits 'Checo' just fine, his father has no doubt that he will have another successful period in Formula 1. "As he has said himself, he is going to wait these six months. If a good opportunity comes, he will grab it. Just look at how many Formula One drivers have taken a sabbatical and how they have returned. [Niki] Lauda did it, Kimi Raikkonen did it and Fernando Alonso did it. Many drivers have done it and come back stronger than ever. I have no doubt that Checo is going to get a great opportunity to return for a few more years. He deserves to say goodbye like the greats."
Pérez's future in Formula One had been a subject of speculation for some time before his dismissal. During the summer break of 2024, there were strong indications that he would be replaced by VCARB driver Daniel Ricciardo, possibly with immediate effect. Against expectations, Pérez was allowed to finish the season, but his performance continued to decline in the second half. After the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the decision to depart Red Bull was finally made, and Pérez was replaced by Liam Lawson for the 2025 season.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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