Sergio Perez Admits He ‘Ran Out of Time’ During F1 Sabbatical

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Sergio Perez has revealed that he felt he “lacked time” to accomplish everything he planned during his one-year sabbatical from Formula 1, following his departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season.

The Mexican driver Sergio Perez spent the 2025 season away from the Formula 1 grid after parting ways with Red Bull, bringing an end to a difficult period marked by prolonged inconsistency. The break offered Perez a rare opportunity to step away from the sport and spend extended time with his young family before eventually returning to Formula 1.

However, Perez’s sabbatical came to an earlier-than-expected conclusion. In late August 2025, Cadillac officially announced that Perez had been signed alongside Valtteri Bottas for its upcoming Formula 1 project. The agreement saw Perez spending much of his time in the United Kingdom, working closely with Formula 1’s newest team.

Soon after joining Cadillac, Perez was drawn back into full-time preparation mode. He began simulator work before returning to the cockpit during a private test in an older Ferrari Formula 1 car, signalling the practical end of his year away from racing.

While Perez has spoken positively about the time he spent away from competition, he acknowledged that his return to Formula 1 effectively cut short many of his personal plans.

Speaking on the Cracks podcast, Perez reflected on how quickly his season out of Formula 1 passed.

“Man, it flew by,” Perez said.
“I travelled a lot. I went to Africa twice—I loved it. I loved Africa: its culture, tranquillity, landscapes, and animals. I can’t wait to go back soon, but over the next few years it will be harder, at least.”

Perez also highlighted the importance of the time he was able to spend with his family, something that had been largely impossible during his full-time Formula 1 career.

“I really enjoyed spending time with my kids—lots of trips with them and with friends,” he continued.
“I spent more than three weeks in one place, something I had never done in my life.”

Despite those experiences, Perez admitted that the sabbatical did not allow him to complete everything he had hoped to focus on away from the sport.

“But I still lacked time for many things,” Perez explained.
“I wanted to use this year to organise my family office more and to dedicate more time to golf, and I couldn’t do that as much as I wanted.”

According to Perez, professional commitments began to dominate his schedule far sooner than expected as his involvement with Cadillac intensified.

“In the end, I ended up working much more than I thought,” he said.
“And when I realised it, I was already back. I had a commitment with the team, so it flew by—but I also learned a lot from the sport.”

Perez concluded with a broader reflection on the mindset demanded by Formula 1, suggesting that the relentless competitive nature of the championship often causes drivers to lose sight of the bigger picture.

“The main thing we have to do in life is enjoy what we do,” Perez said.
“In Formula 1 you’re always thinking about the next race, the next contract, the next win. You’re constantly focused on what’s next, and you forget a bit about the most important thing—enjoying the journey.”

With Perez now preparing to return to the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac next season, his shortened sabbatical has become a formative period that reshaped his perspective ahead of the next chapter of his career at the top level of motorsport.