Sergio Perez has disclosed that the Lewis Hamilton Mercedes transfer eliminated his own opportunity to join the dominant F1 team, altering the course of his career. Perez, set to race for Cadillac alongside Valtteri Bottas in 2026, explained how Hamilton’s move impacted his early prospects in Formula One.
Perez Reflects on Missed Mercedes Opportunity Due to Hamilton’s Switch
Perez, who competed in Formula One from 2011 to 2024 and was released by Red Bull after that season, recently shared insights from his career journey. As he prepares to return with Cadillac, Perez recounted starting out at Sauber, where he impressed with three podiums during the 2012 season. This strong form led to an offer from McLaren, who were seeking a new driver after Hamilton left for Mercedes—an event that shaped both Perez’s and Mercedes’ trajectories.
Suddenly the opportunity presented itself: I never would have imagined it,
Perez told the Cracks podcast regarding his unexpected McLaren offer.
Perez admitted that he had not expected to drive for either McLaren or Red Bull, as both teams typically recruited from their own development programs. Still, McLaren’s confidence convinced him, particularly as Mercedes’s door seemed to close once Hamilton completed his transfer.
They were nervous because Hamilton was leaving, and if Hamilton hadn’t gone to Mercedes, I would have had the Mercedes option too. So McLaren came along with a lot of confidence and offered me a contract, and I accepted it.
The Highs and Lows of Perez’s McLaren Season
Perez’s time at McLaren in 2013 did not mirror the promise he showed at Sauber. He finished the season without a podium and ended up 11th in the drivers’ standings, which led to McLaren replacing him with rookie Kevin Magnussen for the new hybrid era. This setback saw Perez join Force India, where he collaborated with various team-mates and began to showcase his talent over seven seasons—even as the team evolved into Racing Point.
Forging a Path After McLaren: Force India, Racing Point, and Red Bull Stints
Perez’s post-McLaren journey saw him achieve his first grand prix victory in 2020, leading to a move to Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s team-mate. His tenure at Red Bull resulted in five additional grand prix wins, reinforcing his speed and resilience throughout numerous seasons and team changes. After his release from Red Bull, Perez’s return to Formula One with Cadillac in 2026 marks another significant chapter, now set alongside former Mercedes and Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas.
The Lewis Hamilton Mercedes transfer not only sparked a period of remarkable dominance for Mercedes—winning eight consecutive constructors’ championships from 2014 to 2021—but also dramatically redirected Perez’s own path, leaving him to build a lasting career across multiple teams instead of what could have been a potential seat in a F1 superteam. As Perez and Bottas prepare for Cadillac’s entry, Perez’s experience continues to echo the long-term effects of major decisions and transfers in the sport.
