Sergio Pérez: I want to guarantee a successful return.

      Sergio Pérez returns to Formula 1 after a one-year break. The Mexican driver described how the pause in his career helped him restore his love for racing, what differences between Cadillac and Red Bull he has already noticed, and what he expects from the upcoming season.

      Sergio Pérez: "I never felt I needed a break in my career before. When you compete in Formula 1, you are constantly thinking about the next season, the next race, the next contract. It's like you are on autopilot. When you are forced to step away, as happened in my case, you start to look at the sport differently.

      I feel like I've fallen back in love with Formula 1. The last six months at Red Bull were very difficult for me in every way. I began to feel demotivated toward the sport, but I couldn't allow that attitude because this sport has given me everything. On the day I finish my career, I want to do it with a big smile and great respect.

      The first two months after leaving Red Bull were fantastic. But then I realized I missed Formula 1 because I was constantly following what was going on. I would wake up every morning to watch the races. I talked to friends in the paddock and realized I missed it more than I thought. Then talks with Cadillac started, I saw their passion and felt there was something left in me.

      Now I understand that being able to take a year off and recharge after fifteen years in Formula 1 was a dream come true. I am now full of energy to return to racing, work with the team and move forward with them in all areas, because we are starting almost from scratch.

      When you live in the Formula 1 'bubble', you worry about a lot of things. You are not always satisfied because you didn't give your all in a practice session and so on. You forget that the main thing is to enjoy it, because, after all, we are lucky to be doing what we love. For me, that was the most important lesson: you have to enjoy the sport, because we are so competitive and so focused on giving everything that we forget to enjoy Formula 1."

      Reflecting on the upcoming season, Sergio said: "It's one thing to prepare for Melbourne and another to perform at a competitive level, but that's exactly what we're aiming for. Having experienced people on the team really helps. There are many familiar faces in the team, people who have been working in the paddock much longer than I have. They have a lot of experience and a desire to test themselves.

      It was nice to work with the team during the first tests. I focused on certain areas and gave direction. It's great when you can influence the team, and it's great that the team listens to your requests.

      For me, it's not so important what results we start with. What's most important is how quickly we can progress. I want to lead the team forward from day one. I think we can surprise a lot of people. Our goal is to have a strong impact on Formula 1 from day one. For me, this will be the last big project in this sport, and I want to guarantee myself a successful return."