Perez: People will be surprised how competitive I will be on my comeback

Perez has been unceremoniously let go from Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 F1 season after struggling to deliver alongside Max Verstappen as the team missed out on that year's Constructors' Title.

Perez was soon vindicated, as the drivers who replaced him at the energy drinks outfit failed spectacularly, with Liam Lawson lasting for two grands prix, while Yuki Tsunoda has been getting his lunch handed to him since he replaced the Kiwi from the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix onwards, with reports now claiming that he will make way for Isack Hadjar in 2026, his own future not yet clear.

After a season on the sidelines, Perez has been handed a lifeline by the new Cadillac F1 outfit, who will join the grid in 2026 with Ferrari power, as they showed their intent by opting for an experienced driver lineup with Valtteri Bottas signed as the Mexican's teammate.

Reflecting on his path back to F1, Perez said: "It took me about six months before I knew I wanted to come back. 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," he claimed.

As for his 2026 comeback, the winner of six Grands Prix added: "I'm very excited. I believe I still have a lot to give to the sport.

"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," Perez concluded.

(Quotes from Sky Sports F1)