Sergio Perez holds talks over Formula 1 return in 2026

“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.”

Perez finished second in the drivers’ championship in 2023 behind team-mate Max Verstappen, but he described last season as “terrible” after failing to win a race for the first time since 2019.

Perez, who has also driven for Sauber and McLaren, said his struggles were partly because of issues with Red Bull’s RB20 car., external

His replacement, Liam Lawson, was dropped after two races this season and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after failing to get to grips with its successor, the RB21.

Perez said: “Especially last year, I didn’t get to show what I’m able to do as a driver.

“Now, all of a sudden, people realise how difficult the car is to drive.”