Nico Hulkenberg: Sergio Perez’s year out “positive and refreshing” for F1 return

Sauber Formula 1 driver Nico Hulkenberg has discussed Sergio Perez’s upcoming return to the championship with Cadillac. Having also taken time out of a full-time F1 seat from 2020 to 2022, the German driver claimed that Perez’s break will likely have been “positive and refreshing” for him.

Hulkenberg entered his rookie F1 season in 2010 with Williams, teaming up with Rubens Barrichello, before moving to Force India in 2011 and Sauber in 2013. The German driver returned to Force India from 2014 to 2016, during which he drove alongside Perez. After a stint with Renault from 2017 to 2019, he spent three years as Racing Point/Aston Martin reserve driver before returning to a full-time seat with Haas in 2023.

Similarly, Perez had his debut season in F1 in 2011 with Sauber. Throughout his 14-year stint in the championship, the Mexican driver also raced for McLaren, Force India/Racing Point, and Red Bull. After losing his seat with the Milton Keynes outfit at the end of 2024, Perez has taken time away from the series but has been adamant that he would return for the right project. 

This week, the Cadillac F1 team announced that Perez and Valtteri Bottas will be leading the team when it enters the championship in 2026.

Hulkenberg discussed Perez’s return to the paddock with Motorsport.com and other media ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.

“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.

“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.

Drivers parade, Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing Nico Hulkenberg, Haas F1 Team

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

“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.”

With Cadillac joining as the 11th team, Sauber will transition to Audi in 2026. 

“Well, I hope that we’re in front, but that’s pure speculation and everything,” Hulkenberg 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.”

Others drivers have also started to react to the news of Perez and Bottas signing with Cadillac. Liam Lawson, who replaced Perez at Red Bull for the start of 2024, claimed it was “exciting” for F1 to have a new team.

“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,” he explained. “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.”

Haas driver Esteban Ocon also said it was “great to see” Perez return. 

“Good. Familiar faces, really. Drivers I’ve been racing with for my whole career, pretty much,” the Frenchman commented. “Great to see Checo back. I was teaming up with him for two years. Great to see him back on the grid and Valtteri. I think both of them deserve to be back.”

Alpine rookie driver Franco Colapinto backed the return of Perez, revealing that he was one of the drivers he cheered for the most growing up.

“I love Checo, he’s been the driver I was always cheering for when I was very young. At the end of the day, he was the one closest to Argentina. Mexico and Argentina are very close to each other. He was always the one I was cheering for when I was very young.

“It’s just great to see him back in the sport, back in Formula 1. It’s going to be great to have him back. We miss him a lot so I’m very happy for him to be back in F1 and to see him again. It’s going to be great so I can’t wait for next season.”

Photos from Dutch GP – Thursday