Sergio Pérez on F1 Comeback with Cadillac: ‘Nothing to Prove’
Sergio Pérez to Lead Cadillac’s Groundbreaking Formula 1 Venture
Sergio Pérez, newly announced as part of Cadillac's breakthrough Formula 1 venture, is preparing to reignite his love for motorsport in a groundbreaking project set to debut in 2026. In a candid discussion about his future, Pérez made it clear that he isn’t coming back to prove anything but expressed his excitement about the opportunity to rewrite the final chapter of his F1 career after a contentious exit from Red Bull Racing.
Privately reflecting on his last season in Formula 1, the 35-year-old Mexican driver described 2024 as an underwhelming year, where he finished with just 152 points, dwarfed by Max Verstappen's remarkable tally of 437 points. Despite being contracted through 2025, Pérez faced an unexpected dismissal ahead of schedule, replaced by Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. However, their disappointing results in Red Bull’s second seat – scoring only seven points across 14 races in the current season – have sparked scrutiny of Red Bull’s decision to part ways with the experienced six-time Grand Prix winner.
A Fresh Start with Cadillac's Ambitious F1 Project
For Pérez, Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 offers a rejuvenating opportunity to enjoy the sport he loves and to bring his extensive experience to a pioneering American team. “To me, it's more about coming back to enjoy the sport,” he shared during Cadillac’s official launch event. “I couldn’t afford to leave Formula 1 the way I left. This comeback isn’t just about results – it’s about loving the sport all over again and helping the team thrive.”
Cadillac aims to disrupt the established pecking order by becoming Formula 1’s 11th team in 2026, an initiative that’s already generating excitement among fans and insiders. For Pérez, however, success isn’t just defined by trophies. “Enjoying the ride” and being part of Cadillac’s growth in F1 are focal points as the Mexican driver focuses on a long-term vision for both himself and the team.
Reflecting on Red Bull: An "Unmatched Challenge"
As speculation mounts over Red Bull’s current struggles with its second seat, Pérez reflected on his time at the Milton Keynes-based team. Comparing challenges across drivers, he highlighted the psychological and performance-related complexities of partnering alongside Verstappen. “When you see the amount of points [Lawson and Tsunoda have achieved] – five points this season – I don’t think I have anything to prove anymore,” Pérez stated bluntly. “It’s been a very tricky seat, one that demands constant mental adaptation to retain confidence. Competing alongside Verstappen was a truly unique challenge.”
The move to Cadillac signifies a clean slate for Pérez but also underscores his belief that Formula 1 is about endurance as much as competition.
Cadillac’s Realistic Approach to Formula 1
Launching an F1 team from scratch is no small feat. Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Lowdon, tempered expectations during the debut announcement, acknowledging the deep competition in motorsport’s elite league. As the team progresses toward its 2026 Australian Grand Prix debut, Pérez remains cautiously optimistic.
“It’s important to reset past expectations,” he explained. “We’ll likely start in a difficult position – but what matters is how quickly we progress together. Building competitiveness takes time, but I’m committed to enjoying the process as much as the race results.”
While adapting to the back of the grid will undoubtedly test his patience, Pérez’s focus on strategic team growth aligns with Cadillac’s vision. “Drivers can get desperate when they’re racing at the back, but for me, it’s about fostering the team’s progression and trusting the journey.”
Pérez’s F1 Legacy and Vision for a New Era
As Sergio Pérez prepares to lead Cadillac’s charge into Formula 1 alongside teammate Valtteri Bottas, he views this comeback as more than a chance to compete – it’s an opportunity to deepen his F1 legacy. “At this point, one trophy more or less doesn’t matter. What matters is dedicating myself every weekend, giving my best. If I can do this for all 24 races a season, I’ll consider it a success.”
Whether it’s achieving podiums or navigating the challenges of building a competitive team, Pérez’s focus is clear – to enjoy every moment in Formula 1’s bold new chapter with Cadillac.
Why Sergio Pérez and Cadillac's Formula 1 Entry is a Game-Changer
Fans, analysts, and motorsport enthusiasts are already buzzing about this collaboration between Cadillac and Sergio Pérez, which promises to bring a fresh narrative to the 2026 Formula 1 season. With American engineering blending with Pérez's vast experience, all eyes are on whether this venture can redefine the competitive landscape of F1.
Up Next
