According to sources from a reputable Spanish sports newspaper, Sergio Perez’s next move in motorsport may be imminent.
After agreeing to end his 2025 contract with Red Bull, the 34-year-old Mexican driver is rumored to be receiving around $16 million, which is reportedly the full cost of his agreed retainer.
Perez’s father, Antonio Perez Garibay, mentioned that Perez is currently closing the door on Formula 1 and premier motorsport.
“I am sure that the door to Formula 1 is not closed for Checo if something very good and big comes along,” he told Mexican broadcaster N-plus Foro.
“I don’t think Checo will go to a team like Sauber or Haas. Checo will either sign a contract with a big team, or the door is closed. No Indycar, no Nascar, no Le Mans. I am 100 percent sure of that.
“That is why I am telling you that if there is no big team, then Checo has already done his last race. Everything in life has a beginning and an end, and you have to learn to live with it.
“For the moment, what Checo has to do is concentrate on enjoying his family, because it was many years, many sacrifices, and that had to end one day and that day is today,” Perez senior added.
However, sources close to Perez as cited by Marca sports newspaper revealed that the Mexican has been in negotiations with a top-level world endurance championship team for several weeks.
The report mentioned that Perez’s plan includes participating in key WEC races, including Le Mans.
“Perez has no intention of retiring from motor racing, not even from the top category,” explained correspondent Marco Canseco. “According to what we have found out, the Mexican is in very advanced negotiations to become a WEC driver with one of the best teams in the top Hypercar category.
“He is finalizing an agreement with Ferrari and thus returning to his origins, as he was in the Ferrari academy before arriving in F1 with Sauber,” he added.
