Sergio Perez Eyes F1 2026 Return with Cadillac
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Sergio Perez eyes a return to Formula 1 in 2026 with Cadillac, positioning the American team as a strong option after his Red Bull departure.
Sergio Perez’s ‘Great Option’ for F1 2026 Return: Could Cadillac Be His Next Move?
Perez’s Future in Formula 1: A Comeback with Cadillac?
After a disappointing 2024 Formula 1 season with Red Bull Racing, Sergio Perez finds himself without a seat for the first time in 15 years. However, reports suggest that a return to the grid in 2026 remains his primary goal, with Cadillac F1 emerging as a potential destination.
Following his departure from Red Bull, Perez has been linked to Formula E, IndyCar, and even the Le Mans 24 Hours in the GT category. Yet, a Formula 1 comeback remains his top priority, with Spanish publication Marca calling Cadillac a “great option” for the Mexican driver.
Struggles in 2024: A Rapid Decline in Performance
Perez started the 2024 F1 season on a high note, securing four podium finishes in the first five races and amassing 85 points. However, his form drastically declined, collecting just 67 points over the following 19 races and only nine points in the last eight Grands Prix.
With a final tally of 152 points, Perez dropped from P2 in 2023 to P8 in the Drivers' Championship, contributing to Red Bull slipping to third in the Constructors' Standings—despite Max Verstappen securing the title with a commanding 437 points.
Reflecting on his Red Bull exit, Perez admitted: “Everything happened very quickly at the end of last season. I didn’t expect to leave the team. In the next six months, I will make a decision on what I want for the next step in my career.”
Cadillac: A Perfect Fit for Perez?
The newly approved Cadillac F1 team, set to debut in 2026 under the Andretti Global banner, is seeking an experienced driver to lead their project. Perez, a veteran with 13 F1 seasons under his belt, could be an ideal choice.
Reports suggest that Perez’s arrival would bring significant financial benefits to the American team, as he could attract sponsorship from Carlos Slim and other backers that previously supported him at Red Bull.
Perez also remains one of F1’s most marketable drivers, with a strong following across key North American markets. His presence could boost attendance at races in Mexico, Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas, making him an attractive asset for Cadillac’s commercial ambitions.
Guenther Steiner: “Perez Is a Better Option Than an Old Rookie”
Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner believes Perez would be a smart choice for Cadillac, arguing that his experience would be invaluable for a brand-new team.
“If you’re Cadillac, you need somebody experienced,” Steiner told GPblog. “Checo has been in quite a few teams for a long time. He knows his way around. He could be a big help.”
Steiner further suggested that a one-year contract with Cadillac would be preferable to signing a rookie: “Maybe put him (Perez) on a one-year contract. It’s a lot better than having old rookies in there.”
He also noted that stepping away from the intense pressure of Red Bull could help Perez rediscover his form: “A year of digesting the beating from Max, he recovers from the Dutch beating, so it could bring him to a better place again. I would say he could have value for Cadillac.”
Perez’s Strengths: The Underdog Mentality
Steiner recalled Perez’s performances at Force India and Racing Point, where he consistently exceeded expectations as an underdog.
“Checo was very good when he was at Force India and Racing Point. He always overdelivered as an underdog. He couldn’t keep up with the pressure of a top team.”
With Cadillac unlikely to face the same immediate performance expectations as Red Bull, a move to the American outfit could provide Perez with the perfect environment to thrive once again.
Will Perez Make an F1 Comeback in 2026?
While Sergio Perez explores his options beyond F1, his ultimate goal remains clear: a return to the grid in 2026. With Cadillac offering a unique opportunity for a fresh start, the partnership could be a win-win for both parties.
As the Formula 1 2025 season unfolds, the speculation surrounding Perez’s future is sure to intensify. Could the experienced Mexican driver spearhead Cadillac’s debut in the sport? Only time will tell.
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