Perez has no interest in taking on IndyCar when his time at F1 is up

The IndyCar Series has been a common destination for longtime Formula 1 veterans, notably the likes of Marcus Ericsson  — winner of the 2022 Indianapolis 500 — and Romain Grosjean. There has even been a fever craze, of sorts, as Pato O’Ward reignited the flame of support from Mexican fans in North America’s premier open-wheel championship. But Sergio Perez has no interest in a switch to the IndyCar Series whenever his time comes to an end in Formula 1. 

The 34-year-old Mexican, who drives for Red Bull Racing alongside newly-crowned four-time world champion Max Verstappen, signed an extension back in June to remain with the team through 2026. However, the new deal has come under fire after having since scored six finishes outside of points-paying positions, including two retirements, and only a best result of sixth at the Dutch Grand Prix. 

At a small media roundtable during a Honda event last week, Perez was asked by Motorsport.com if there is any desire to move to IndyCar once his F1 career ends.

“Not really,” Perez said. ‘If I’m honest, because I think one of the reasons I’ll stop the day when I stop, it’s because I’ve done it enough. I’ve done it enough at this level of F1. With the tight schedule that we have, I’d like to be able to, I’ve got some small kids at home, so I’d like to spend more time with them, with the family. I think it’s really hard to get what you used to get from F1, in that regard.

“I really respect what they do in Indy, but the way I see it is like after, hopefully, that I’m able to finish my career without any injury or something like that.” 

Perez adds, “I think going into Indy, I have a lot of respect for what the drivers do. At the same time, there are drivers that are not very experienced in the series and doing those sorts of speeds, and having that sort of impact is not something that I’m willing to do once I finish my career. 

Although the six-time race winner in F1, including the coveted Monaco Grand Prix in 2022, isn’t interested in the open-wheeled American sport, he’s not opposed to trying out other categories like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Rolex 24 at Daytona. So more one-offs?

“Yeah,” Perez replied. “Doing one or two races a year. I think it’s something as a driver, you’re going to be looking at very soon because it’s really hard to stop completely.”