Sergio Pérez, Cadillac, and a possible F1 return
Speculation Around Sergio Pérez and Cadillac F1 Team for 2026 Heats Up
MIAMI — Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, speculation has surged about Sergio Pérez potentially signing with the Cadillac team, which is set to debut in Formula 1 in 2026. Contrary to these rumors, Pérez has yet to sign with any team and will not be unveiled as a Cadillac driver in Miami this weekend.
Pérez Denies Miami Presence and Cadillac Announcement
Pérez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024 after a four-year stint, has not been in Miami recently and does not plan to attend either the 2025 Miami Grand Prix or the Cadillac team launch in the city on Saturday night, May 3. Sources indicate that social media posts, based on the location of Pérez's private plane (which is rented out when he's not using it), fueled the recent speculation.
A Potential Candidate for Cadillac’s Entry
The Mexican driver, who has competed in Formula 1 from 2011 to 2024 with teams like Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, and most recently Red Bull, is indeed a consideration for Cadillac. This potential interest was confirmed by team advisor Mario Andretti in a recent interview with the ESPN Racing podcast. However, Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon recently stated that the team maintains a shortlist of seven or eight drivers for its 2026 lineup.
Taking a Pause to Reflect
Pérez's current plan, which he has discussed in interviews with F1.com and other outlets, is to wait six months before making any decisions about his future. In the interim, Pérez has been enjoying time with his family, attending soccer games, music concerts, vacationing at Disneyland, and visiting beaches in Bermuda and Punta Mita, Nayarit—a stark contrast to the demanding schedule he's maintained since moving to Europe at age 14 to chase his F1 dreams.
F1 Driver Market Reshuffling for 2026
Another factor in Pérez's decision is the potential reshuffling of the F1 grid for 2026. Although most drivers are under contract, the market could be significantly impacted if four-time world champion Max Verstappen opts to leave Red Bull, where he's under contract until 2028. A move by Verstappen could trigger a series of changes beyond the two available seats at Cadillac. Aston Martin has emerged as a possible destination for Verstappen, and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has expressed concern that Verstappen may leave if the RB21 car is not competitive enough to challenge McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes.
Exploring Other Opportunities
While Cadillac remains a viable option for Pérez, his team has also explored other possibilities with different teams, though specific details have not been disclosed. It is also unclear if Julian Jakobi will continue as Pérez's agent during this potential second stage of his F1 career.
Sauber Resurrects Interest in Pérez
In a recent interview published by Formula1.Hu, Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who was Red Bull's sporting director until 2024, praised Pérez's driving skills, feedback to engineers, and resilience. Although Sauber currently has two drivers under contract, Wheatley's comments have put Pérez's name back in the mix, signaling his continued presence and desire to return to F1.
Focus on Points and Competitive Goals
Pérez has previously stated that he would only return to F1 if he could compete for points. As a new entrant, Cadillac will need time to develop and adapt, with realistic expectations set for its 2026 debut.
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