Why Perez should consider Formula E switch
Following the loss of his seat at Red Bull, Sergio Perez is in need of a new challenge. Could Formula E be the solution?
Perez moving to the all-electric series might sound far-fetched, but actually, when looked into and assessed, it is a move which makes remarkable sense.
To make it clear, Perez’s priority is returning to the F1 grid, something which is easier said than done for a driver who scored just 49 points across the final 18 races.
Whilst Perez is well-supported financially, the current competitive nature of F1 means that is no longer enough to warrant a seat.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that Perez will conduct multiple show runs for the Milton Keynes-based team in 2025; however, no motorsport programme has been announced.
It has been reported in Spanish media that Perez is close to agreeing a deal to compete in select rounds of next season’s World Endurance Championship for Ferrari’s Hypercar programme; however, RacingNews365 understands the reports are not accurate.
There is, of course, the Cadillac F1 entry in 2026, which Perez will likely have his eye on as a route back onto the pinnacle of motorsport grid.
But should that not happen, then a move to FE is something the 34-year-old should be pushing for. But why? Let’s take a look.
Being ‘the’ star attraction
In his four years racing for Red Bull, Perez has been engulfed by Max Verstappen’s towering shadow.
The four-time world champion has been in a different league to Perez, who increasingly struggled to perform consistently.
A move to FE is good not only for Perez, but also one the series itself should be pushing for. It is a match made in heaven.
Perez’s attraction to FE has been documented as recently as January this year, with series co-founder Alberto Longo having expressed his eagerness for the former Red Bull driver to join.
“I talk to Checo constantly and I hope he makes a leap to the real competition,” Longo told AS at the start of 2024.
“Formula E is his home, the doors are open to him and he is welcome.”
Perez joining FE would be a real statement of intent by the all-electric series, whose current grid consists of several former F1 drivers – Jean-Eric Vergne, Sebastien Buemi, Stoffel Vandoorne, Nyck de Vries, Lucas di Grassi and Pascal Wehrlein.
Undoubtedly, Perez would be the biggest signing in FE history, which would not only bring a staggering increase in eyeballs but also make the six-time F1 race winner the main attraction.
There would be no shadow over Perez, who could be the face of the rapidly growing category. That is not the only attraction in why Perez should look at the all-electric championship.
© Formula E
Increased family time
Being the face of a world championship in itself is something which could sway some drivers, but there is even more which would benefit Perez in FE.
As proven by others on the FE grid, competing in a WEC programme alongside the single-seater series could be viable, keeping the driver busy throughout the calendar.
Remaining in the F1 paddock as a reserve driver would also be possible, something else several FE drivers do, some in addition to a WEC seat.
On the flip-side, Perez could opt just to compete in FE and not hold a role in WEC or F1, which would see a significant amount of time become available to potentially be spent with his young family.
Perez is known to be very family-orientated, a factor which makes FE so likeable for several drivers due to the championship running for up to eight months, with multiple weeks between some rounds.
In FE, Perez would continue to have a home race in Mexico City, with a shortened configuration of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit being used.
This would likely make Mexico City the most popular race on the calendar, given it is already a well-attended event.
Another plus for Perez is that FE’s schedule continues to feature predominantly street circuits, a key strength of the driver with 281 F1 starts to his name.
The competition is also very high, and continuing to improve every season. Because of this, it is becoming a series young drivers are eager to compete in.
On top of the competition, the cars are continuing to evolve and improve with every regulation cycle.
Of course, FE’s season started a fortnight ago in São Paulo; however, if he wanted it, a move for Season 12 (2025/26) could be sorted should an F1 return not materialise.
To put it simply, if Perez wanted the move, FE would push to make it happen. It is a move which would benefit both parties and keep Perez in a single-seater world championship.
Will we see Perez competing in FE in the near future?
