Sergio Perez's F1 Future: Ranking His Best 2026 Options
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Sergio Perez's F1 future: A look at his potential options for the 2026 season, including Cadillac, Alpine, and Mercedes.
What’s next for Sergio Perez in Formula 1? Ranking his 2026 options
With Sergio Perez officially stepping away from Red Bull Racing ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, speculation has already begun regarding his future in the sport. The Mexican driver’s departure statement left the door open for several possibilities, and if a return to the grid in 2026 is on the cards, he has a few potential destinations.
Cadillac: A fresh start with a new team
As Formula 1 welcomes new teams in 2026, one of the most intriguing options for Perez could be the Cadillac F1 project. General Motors has been vocal about its desire to feature an American driver, but pairing a rookie with an experienced driver would be a logical approach. Perez, a seasoned veteran with race wins and podiums to his name, fits that profile perfectly.
Having competed in F1 since 2011, Perez has experience with both struggling and championship-winning teams. His time at Red Bull may not have ended on a high, but a fresh opportunity with Cadillac could allow him to establish himself as a team leader and help develop a competitive car from the ground up.
Alpine: A chance to rebuild
Alpine has already secured Pierre Gasly for the 2026 season, but its second seat remains open. While young talents like Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto are in contention, Perez’s experience could be invaluable for a team looking to return to the front of the midfield.
Alpine endured a difficult 2024 season but showed signs of improvement with a double podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix. If the team continues to struggle with consistency, it may opt for a proven race winner like Perez instead of taking a gamble on untested talent.
Mercedes: The unlikely but dream move
Mercedes remains one of the biggest question marks in the 2026 driver market. While George Russell is a long-term asset, his 2025 teammate Kimi Antonelli is still unproven at the highest level.
Although Mercedes has heavily invested in its young driver program, should Antonelli struggle in 2025, the team may look toward an experienced racer like Perez to provide stability. However, this remains the least likely scenario, given Mercedes’ commitment to developing future talent internally.
Conclusion
Perez’s exit from Red Bull marks a turning point in his career, but his F1 journey may not be over just yet. Whether it’s leading Cadillac’s debut project, helping Alpine rebuild, or securing an unlikely Mercedes seat, the Mexican driver still has potential opportunities to explore for the 2026 season.
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