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Sergio Perez Dismisses IndyCar Move, Prefers Family Time and Select Races

The IndyCar Series has increasingly become a destination for seasoned Formula 1 drivers looking for new challenges. Notable figures such as Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indianapolis 500 champion, and Romain Grosjean have made the transition, spurring a palpable enthusiasm among fans. This excitement has been evident with drivers like Pato O’Ward, who has garnered significant support from Mexican fans as he competes in this premier American open-wheel series. However, Sergio Perez, a prominent figure in F1, has made it clear that he has no plans to follow in their footsteps when it comes time to end his F1 career.

The 34-year-old racer, currently driving for Red Bull Racing alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen, recently renewed his contract through 2026. Despite this commitment, Perez has faced criticism due to a series of disappointing performances, managing only a sixth-place finish at the recent Dutch Grand Prix and accumulating six results outside the points, including two race retirements.

During a recent media roundtable at a Honda event, Perez addressed the question of whether he would consider a switch to IndyCar after his time in Formula 1. “Not really,” he stated candidly. “If I’m honest, I think one of the reasons I’ll stop is because I’ve had enough of it. I’ve done a lot at the F1 level. With our demanding schedule, I want to spend more time with my young kids and family, which is difficult to do under these circumstances.”

Perez emphasized his respect for the IndyCar series, citing the risks involved. “I admire what they do in Indy, but my perspective is that after a hopefully injury-free career, entering Indy would involve substantial risks. There are drivers in Indy that may not have the same level of experience and are driving at significant speeds, and that’s not something I’m willing to engage in after I retire from Formula 1,” he explained.

Despite his lack of interest in IndyCar, the six-time F1 winner—who notably captured the Monaco Grand Prix in 2022—expressed enthusiasm for participating in different racing events. Specifically, he mentioned that he is open to races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona, indicating a preference for select appearances rather than a full commitment to another racing series. “Doing one or two races a year is something I would consider because it’s tough to stop racing altogether,” Perez said.

Conclusion

Sergio Perez is focused on his current commitments in Formula 1 and family life, as he navigates the latter stages of his racing career. While he respects the challenges of IndyCar, he prefers to explore one-off race opportunities that allow him to maintain a connection to motorsport without the rigorous demands of a full-time schedule. As the F1 landscape evolves, Perez’s future choices are closely watched by fans and competitors alike.

Source
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