Every Formula 1 driver has experienced moments where a split-second decision could have completely changed the course of their career. Sergio Perez is no exception. With over a decade of F1 experience and preparing for a return in 2026 with Cadillac, the Mexican driver has reflected on a critical decision that almost derailed his career.
Sergio Perez made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber in 2011, a path many young drivers from the Ferrari Driver Academy have taken. Charles Leclerc would follow in similar footsteps years later, but Perez’s two seasons with the Swiss team were enough to attract interest from some of the biggest teams in the sport.
The six-time Grand Prix winner has now recounted the events leading up to the 2013 season. Although a move to Ferrari was on the horizon, Sergio Perez ended up signing with McLaren—a decision that nearly ended his F1 career before it truly began.
Sergio Perez describes his hasty decision to join McLaren instead of Ferrari
Speaking on the Cracks Podcast, Sergio Perez explained how his single season at McLaren came about. He said that at the time he was one of the most sought-after drivers on the grid, which naturally happens when young drivers achieve strong early results. He had three offers from top teams, one of them being Ferrari, where he had entered F1 through the Ferrari Driver Academy. Logically, continuing with Ferrari seemed the right path.
However, Ferrari could not provide him a seat until 2014. Feeling desperate to race for a top team and start fighting for championships, Sergio Perez admitted he took the first available opportunity. McLaren, confident and proactive after Lewis Hamilton’s departure, offered him a contract, and Sergio Perez accepted, believing it was his moment to shine.
Unfortunately, after just one season, McLaren chose not to renew Sergio Perez’s contract. He was left without a seat, forcing him to rebuild his career with Force India and Racing Point before eventually landing at Red Bull.
Driving for McLaren during their ‘worst year’ in history
During Perez’s sole season with McLaren, the team finished fifth in the constructors’ championship, failing to secure a single podium, while his teammate Jenson Button outscored him by 24 points. Reflecting on that season, The Mexican explained that McLaren had designed what should have been one of their strongest cars, with a front inspired by McLaren, a middle influenced by Red Bull, and a rear reminiscent of Ferrari.
Despite this, the team experienced an unprecedented collapse. The former Red Bull driver described it as “the worst year in McLaren’s history,” a significant setback in his third year of Formula 1. He revealed that a contract renewal clause existed, but McLaren delayed informing him until very late in the season, leaving him without a seat.
McLaren would later endure other challenging years, including ninth-place finishes in 2015 and 2017, as well as the 2008 Spygate controversy that led to disqualification. Sergio Perez’s decision to join McLaren over Ferrari serves as a stark reminder of how unpredictable and career-defining split-second choices can be in Formula 1.
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