Hulkenberg: Perez's sabbatical likely ‘positive’ ahead of 2026 return

Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg has weighed in on Sergio Perez’s return to the F1 grid next season with Cadillac, expressing his belief that the Mexican’s year away from the sport will serve him well.

Drawing from his own experience of a three-year hiatus from full-time racing, Hulkenberg suggests that time out of the cockpit can offer drivers a valuable perspective.

Perez enjoyed fourteen consecutive seasons in F1 before losing his seat with Red Bull at the end of 2024. But the 35-year-old will resume his career among motorsport’s elite in 2026, joining fellow veteran Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac, Grand Prix racing’s new entrant.

Hulkenberg, who himself stepped away from a full-time F1 seat between 2020 and 2022, sees parallels in their journeys and believes the break will have rekindled Perez’s drive.

“Positive and Refreshing”

"Yeah, I think it's slightly different [to me]. I obviously had quite a lot of time out. Three years instead of one. It all depends how competitive their package will be also. It's all linked to that,” the German told reporters at Zandvoort on Thursday.

"But I think it was probably positive and refreshing for him to disconnect and to watch it all with some good distance from the comfort of your couch at home. It's quite an interesting experience.

"So, I'm sure it was good for him and that he feels... Well, I know that he feels charged and still ready to go."

Hulkenberg emphasized that the upcoming season will involve a major reset for the championship with Cadillac entering as the 11th team and Sauber transitioning to Audi.

"Well, I hope that we're in front, but that's pure speculation and everything," he added. "Not just with Cadillac and Audi, with everyone.

“It's such a big change, such a big reset. I don't like speculating about that, especially just against one team.

"There's 11 teams next year and everyone is obviously working hard right now to put the best car and package on the road, but you just need to keep focused, work hard and see what happens."

Excitement Around Cadillac’s Entry

Other drivers have also responded positively to Cadillac’s announcement of Perez and Valtteri Bottas leading the team next year.

Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson, who initially replaced Perez at Red Bull in 2024, described the development as a boost for the sport.

Read also:

• Perez: ‘Mental strength’ key to surviving Red Bull’s ‘undriveable’ car

"It's good to have obviously two more cars on the grid next year and to have two guys who aren't racing this year back on the grid next year," Lawson said.

"It's exciting for the sport to have a new team in as well. It should be hopefully some more good racing.

"Obviously, we don't know what the cars are going to be like next year. There's a lot of speculation and for us we're starting to try them out, but it's exciting."

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