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via Getty

via Getty

Never say never“- It is the message that Antonio Perez Garibay wants to give to not only his son but also the doubters in his fanbase. His son is none other than Sergio Perez, a top-tier Formula One driver until recently. A string of miserable performances in 2024 – like failing to clinch a podium after the fifth race in China – led to Red Bull ousting Perez. However, whispers are afoot about Perez’s immediate future.

Formula One has seen many drivers return to racing after a short sabbatical. Fernando Alonso returned to the sport in 2021 with Alpine after he departed in 2018. Kimi Räikkönen has dropped visits several times – he returned for stints in 2012 and 2019. However, the most inspiring story that Sergio Perez can look up to is probably of Niki Lauda.

If Niki Lauda can, why can’t Sergio Perez?

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Well, as far as fatherly motivation goes, this uplifting question works. However, the average fan would find a lot of difference in the two F1 drivers’ stories. Back in 1976, Niki Lauda survived a horrific crash at Nürburgring, and Ferrari was left fumbling for a replacement driver. The team signed up Carlos Reutemann. But, before the Fiorano race in September, Niki Lauda was back on the racetrack. He sported scars, bruises, and a dreadful look, and still almost broke the Fiorano lap record. This story may wildly differ from Sergio Perez’s, who was discharged from his team due to underperformance. Yet it can inspire him immensely for a comeback nonetheless.

That is at least what Sergio Perez’s father ardently believes. Antonio Perez has been a constant presence by his son’s side in his F1 career, stretching back to Sergio’s debut in 2011. So a little setback means nothing to the dedicated father. Recently, Perez Sr. displayed confidence in his son’s comeback. He spoke to Soymotor and made his buoyant hope apparent as he compared Perez to Niki Lauda. “Look how many Formula 1 drivers have taken sabbaticals and then returned. Lauda did it, Räikkönen did it and Fernando Alonso did it.” 

If all of these legendary racers could do it, there is no reason why Perez cannot. As a matter of fact, Niki Lauda came back to his team Scuderia Ferrari, and Fernando Alonso came back after an offer from Alpine. But, some things might be out of Perez’s reach now.

Now Liam Lawson will step up from Red Bull’s Junior Team (VCARB) to compete in Sergio Perez’s stead. However, Perez’s father has already dropped hints about his son’s future career. Antonio Garibary hinted that his son may move to Formula E, the electric-based single-seater category established in 2014. He told a Spanish outlet MARCA: “Formula E is a category that has been going for 11 years and is still rising. Now it is the second best category and in five years it will be the main one. Watch out, we might see Checo Perez racing here. That wouldn’t be a problem.”

Sergio Perez’s father holds soaring ambitions. However, they severely contradict what a former F1 champion believes.

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Chucking out all hope

Now coming to the grisly reality, outside familial comfort. Sergio Perez’s father may hold immense hope for his son’s future, but the actual scenario paints a different picture. Last year, the Mexican speedster could not keep up with his teammate, Max Verstappen. The 250+ disparity in points ended up costing Red Bull the 2024 constructor’s championship, which McLaren Racing clinched. Despite losing his seat, Perez will remain involved with Red Bull. Team Principal Christian Horner said that Perez will do a few public demonstrations of old F1 cars, often taking place on the streets of major cities. But as far as getting a full-time F1 seat is concerned, the situation is bleak.

That is what 1997 Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve believes. Villeneuve had also claimed previously that Sergio Perez’s career was over after 2021. Then Red Bull showed a bit of promise – but even that is now over. Villeneuve said, “Sergio Perez should take the money and enjoy life. F1 is done. He’ll never get back. He was actually done and then Red Bull took him. And when Red Bull took him, that gave him a little spark, that gave him the hunger that made him for a couple of years go much better than he had been. Now it’s extinguished.”

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The hopes for his future clearly differ inside and outside his family. Yet all now depends on how Sergio Perez wishes to proceed.

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