Sergio Perez has insisted he will only return to Formula 1 should he be fully motivated by a project.
The Mexican left the championship after departing Red Bull following another season of struggles last term, failing to match world champion teammate Max Verstappen in the RB20.
But Perez has been linked with a return to the grid for next season with Cadillac joining F1 as an 11th team and no doubt on the lookout for experience.
Struggles for Liam Lawson, which saw the New Zealander dropped to Racing Bulls in a switch with Yuki Tsunoda after just two races this season, have added to Perez’s stock and now he has revealed contact with teams about a return.
Addressing his Red Bull exit, Perez told F1.com: “Everything happened really late in the season.
“I wasn’t really expecting it to happen. It only became clearer once we were in Qatar, and we started to discuss and negotiate my exit of the team. It all happened very quickly.”
It would be very attractive
“If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it,” added Perez, who also drove for Sauber, McLaren and the Force India/Racing Point outfits.
“That’s why I’ve given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career.
“There are a few very interesting projects out there. I’ve been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has started so a few things will open up in the coming months.
“We are talking to a few parties out there. Once I know all my options, I will make a decision. What is very clear to me is that I’m only coming back if the project makes sense, and it’s something I can enjoy.
“I’ve spent a long time in F1 already, I’ve done most of it. Once you step back, you realise how much you give up in life to be in the sport. So, to be in F1 fully committed, I need the motivation.”
