Nico Hulkenberg, currently driving for Sauber in Formula 1, has shared his thoughts on Sergio Perez’s upcoming return to the sport with the new Cadillac team. Reflecting on his own experience of stepping away from a full-time F1 seat for several years, Hulkenberg suggested that Perez’s break from racing is likely to have been a “positive and refreshing” experience for the Mexican driver.
Background on Hulkenberg’s and Perez’s F1 Careers
Hulkenberg began his Formula 1 career in 2010 with Williams, racing alongside Rubens Barrichello. He later moved to Force India in 2011, joined Sauber in 2013, and returned to Force India from 2014 to 2016, where he was teammates with Sergio Perez. Following his time at Renault from 2017 to 2019, Hulkenberg served as a reserve driver for Racing Point and Aston Martin for three years before securing a full-time seat at Haas in 2023.
Sergio Perez made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2011 and has competed with multiple teams including McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, and Red Bull Racing over a 14-year career. Having lost his seat with Red Bull at the end of 2024, Perez took a hiatus but expressed his intention to return when the right opportunity arose.
Cadillac’s Entry to F1 and Perez’s Role
This week, Cadillac announced its entry into Formula 1, confirming that Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will be the lead drivers when the team debuts in the 2026 season. As a result, Sauber will transition to Audi ownership by the same year.
Hulkenberg Reflects on Time Away from Racing and Future Prospects
Speaking to Motorsport.com before the Dutch Grand Prix, Hulkenberg compared Perez’s break from full-time racing to his own time away.
“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. You know, it’s all linked to that,”
Hulkenberg noted.
He added that stepping away can offer benefits.
“But I think it was probably positive and refreshing for him, you know, to disconnect and to watch it all, you know, 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.
—Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber F1 Driver
Looking Ahead to the New F1 Season and Team Dynamics
With Cadillac joining Formula 1 as the 11th team, Hulkenberg acknowledged the challenges the new lineup will face.
“Well, I hope that we’re in front, but, you know, that’s pure speculation and everything,”
he said.
Well, I hope that we’re in front, but, you know, that’s pure speculation and everything,
Hulkenberg emphasized that this change affects all teams, not just Cadillac or Audi.
“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.
—Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber F1 Driver
Implications of the F1 Team Expansion and Perez’s Return
Cadillac’s entry to Formula 1 in 2026 signals a major shift in the sport’s competitive landscape, with legacy teams like Sauber aligning with new manufacturers such as Audi. Perez’s return with Cadillac provides fresh enthusiasm for both the driver and the team as they prepare to compete in a restructured field. Hulkenberg’s remarks suggest that breaks from racing may help drivers recharge and return with renewed focus, which could influence how drivers and teams approach career breaks in the future.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these developments translate into on-track performance and whether Cadillac and Audi can challenge the established order effectively.
