The IndyCar Series has long been a destination for former Formula 1 drivers seeking a fresh start or a resurgence in their careers. Drivers like Marcus Ericsson, who triumphed in the 2022 Indy 500, and Romain Grosjean have found success and renewed purpose in the series. Additionally, the efforts of Mexican driver Pato O’Ward have amplified the series’ appeal and international recognition. Despite these developments, Sergio Pérez, the 34-year-old Red Bull Racing driver, has firmly stated he has no intention of transitioning to IndyCar after his Formula 1 career concludes.
Currently contracted with Red Bull through 2026 alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen, Pérez has faced a challenging season, resulting in criticism from fans and media alike. His sixth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix did little to inspire confidence, as it was followed by three finishes outside the top 10 in his next six races, including a 17th-place finish and a retirement. Over the season, Pérez has recorded five races without scoring points, three of which ended in retirements. When asked during a recent Honda event if he would consider IndyCar after F1, Pérez candidly replied, “Not really, if I’m honest.”
The Mexican driver revealed that his primary focus after retiring from F1 would be spending more time with his family. As a father of three, Pérez explained, “I think one of the reasons I’ll stop the day when I stop is because I’ve done it enough.” He acknowledged the competitiveness of IndyCar but emphasized the risks involved, particularly with oval racing. Pérez noted, “I really respect what they do in Indy, but the way I see it is like after [F1], I hope to finish my career without any injury.” He also voiced concerns about inexperienced drivers competing at high speeds, calling it a risk he is unwilling to take.
Despite ruling out a full-time IndyCar career, Pérez expressed interest in participating in other racing categories after Formula 1. He specifically mentioned endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona as appealing options. Pérez hinted that transitioning to occasional races might ease the difficulty of retiring completely from competitive driving, saying, “Doing one or two races a year—I think it’s something as a driver you’re going to be looking at very soon.”
Within the IndyCar community, Pérez’s statements sparked criticism. His dismissal of the series was seen by some as disrespectful to its safety standards and the talent pool. Fans and insiders alike interpreted his remarks as underestimating IndyCar, with one individual commenting that Pérez might be missing a valuable opportunity to rebuild his reputation. Another remarked, “His loss, then. It would be a better move than continuing to destroy his reputation in that Red Bull.”
Pérez himself has faced significant challenges at Red Bull this season, admitting earlier in the year, “The problem I had earlier in the year is that I had a car that I couldn’t drive.” He described the difficulty of navigating the car into corners without confidence, a sentiment later echoed by Verstappen, who faced similar issues. Pérez revealed that Red Bull engineers apologized after the Italian Grand Prix for not addressing these limitations sooner, but the damage to his season was already done. Critics have compared Pérez to Romain Grosjean, suggesting his inconsistencies mirror Grosjean’s career despite Pérez’s notable successes, such as his 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix win.
Despite his struggles, Pérez remains a valuable asset for Red Bull due to his popularity in Mexico and his commercial appeal. Some believe his marketability and $14 million salary make him a challenging prospect for IndyCar teams to afford. Others argue that his decision to stay away from IndyCar could be influenced by the growing dominance of Mexican driver Pato O’Ward in the series, jokingly suggesting Pérez might avoid being the “second-best Mexican on the grid.”
In conclusion, while Sergio Pérez’s F1 career faces scrutiny, his decision to dismiss IndyCar has generated mixed reactions. Some see it as a missed opportunity, while others understand his preference for prioritizing family and exploring other racing ventures. For now, his future beyond Formula 1 remains uncertain, leaving fans and critics to debate the implications of his choices.