Sergio Perez in talks with F1 teams as axed Red Bull star reveals timeline for return

Sergio Perez insists he is "talking to a few parties" but will wait at least six months before he decides on his next move. The former Red Bull driver was axed at the end of last season and is currently without a spot on the Formula 1 grid.

His CV boasts six wins and another 39 podiums but a poor few years with the Austrian team cost him his spot and the Mexican is now content to sit back and see what happens. Perez, prior to his difficult time at Red Bull, impressed with Sauber and Racing Point earlier in his career.

Red Bull extended his contract despite some poor results but, less than 12 months later, and with two years still to run on his deal, the team chose to bring out the axe and the 35-year-old was given his marching orders.

Nevertheless Perez's stock remains high and he's often shown how he can outperform a team's race package. Add to that experience and he is still a draw but he wants to see what offers come his way and any decision won't be made until after the summer.

He told the F1 website: “If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it. That’s why I’ve given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career.

“There are a few very interesting projects out there. I’ve been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has started so a few things will open up in the coming months. We are talking to a few parties out there. Once I know all my options, I will make a decision. What is very clear to me is that I’m only coming back if the project makes sense, and it’s something I can enjoy."

Perez helped Red Bull claim several Constructor titles but often struggled to match the pace of Max Verstappen. Last year the Mexican went 19 races without finishing on the podium and that ultimately cost him his spot on the grid - even if it came as a shock.

He said: “Everything happened really late in the season. I wasn’t really expecting it to happen. It only became clearer once we were in Qatar, and we started to discuss and negotiate my exit of the team. It all happened very quickly.”

Perez became yet another driver to race alongside Verstappen who ultimately got the chop. Red Bull haven't changed their tactic and Liam Lawson, who was bought in as Perez's replacement, has already been demoted. The New Zealander was given just two races before the team cut him.

Yuki Tsunoda has now been given the call and he joins the likes of Perez, Lawson, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo as men who've driven alongside the Dutch world champion.