Perez backed for motorsport comeback after F1 exit

Former McLaren mechanic Marc Priestley has backed Sergio Perez to return to motorsport, following his F1 exit. 

The Mexican driver is without a seat across any category ahead of 2025 after agreeing to part ways with Red Bull. 

Perez has been replaced by Red Bull junior driver Liam Lawson, who will partner Max Verstappen next year. 

It had looked increasingly likely that Perez would lose his seat with the Milton Keynes-based team despite having a one-plus-one year deal. 

Just 49 points were scored by the 34-year-old across the final 18 races, hurting Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. 

The way Perez exited F1 was disappointing, given how strong he can be when at his best. Perez also brought a huge fan base and significant finances to the pinnacle of motorsport.

This is one of the reasons why Priestley expects Perez to return elsewhere, with the ex-McLaren mechanic eyeing IndyCar as the driver’s best option.

“Sergio Perez has a massive fan base and huge commercial support behind him,” Priestley told Casino Uden Rofus.

“He can compete in another form of racing, IndyCar might be the obvious choice right now but it will come down to his personal decision. 

“Sometimes, drivers come towards to the end of their long F1 careers and when they come to the end of their time in the sport, they might want to prioritise time with family. 

“Perez has multiple options ahead of him though, I don’t doubt it.”