Verstappen: 2024 Results Don’t Define Pérez’s Potential Ahead of F1 Return
Max Verstappen Backs Sergio Pérez’s 2026 Return With Cadillac: A Fresh Chapter in Formula 1
Sergio Pérez’s Formula 1 return in 2026 with Cadillac Racing is one of the most anticipated comebacks in motorsport, as the Mexican driver gears up for another shot at racing glory. Joining forces with the newly formed team—set to become Formula 1’s eleventh entry—Pérez is ready to leave behind a challenging 2024 season with Red Bull Racing and redefine his legacy in a fresh environment.
Cadillac Racing Confirms Driver Lineup for 2026
Earlier this week, Cadillac Racing officially announced their driver lineup for 2026, with Pérez teaming up alongside former Sauber and Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. The partnership combines experience, versatility, and proven pedigree, marking an exciting venture for Cadillac as they aim to compete on the world’s biggest racing stage and make their presence felt as a new contender.
A Fresh Start After a Difficult Season
Pérez’s final season with Red Bull saw a dip in results during 2024, ultimately leading to the early termination of his two-year contract. However, the driver remains upbeat heading into this new opportunity. “I have nothing to prove,” Pérez said after Tuesday’s announcement, highlighting his eagerness to focus on the future with Cadillac rather than dwell on past struggles.
Even his former Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, weighed in on Pérez’s return, expressing genuine happiness and optimism for the driver's career resurgence. “When I saw the news come out, I sent a message to him,” Verstappen said during a press conference ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix. “I’m, of course, very happy for him that he got a seat. He’s a great guy, and we always got along very well … I’m happy to see him back on the grid.”
Verstappen also noted that Pérez’s performance will depend on the quality of Cadillac’s car: “How he’s going to perform will also depend on how good the car is going to be. It’s a bit difficult to say at the moment, but it’s a new opportunity, and I’m sure he’s very excited for it.”
Sergio Pérez’s Formula 1 Legacy
Pérez brings an impressive resume to Cadillac Racing. Over the course of his 14-year Formula 1 career, the Mexican driver boasts six race wins, 39 podium appearances, and three pole positions. His accomplishments include a career-best second place in the drivers’ championship in 2023, where he played a critical role in Red Bull’s dominance, finishing behind Verstappen, who secured his third consecutive world title.
Despite the difficulties Pérez faced in 2024, Verstappen stressed that a single season does not define a driver’s full potential: “Yeah, I mean, it’s a fresh start now. I think it’s not about one half of a season — that doesn’t define what you can do. Checo [Pérez] has shown a lot of great things, even before he got to Red Bull, and during the Red Bull times. So just go in there, enjoy it again, and have a good time.”
Cadillac’s Ambitious Formula 1 Debut
Cadillac Racing’s entry into Formula 1 brings not only a new team to the grid but a significant investment from the American racing giant. Having a driver like Pérez, with his wealth of experience across multiple teams and different regulatory eras, is a significant asset for the team in its formative years.
Verstappen praised Pérez’s vast knowledge and adaptability as key advantages for the fledgling team: “He has driven for a lot of different teams, so he knows a lot about how teams work. Every single team works a little differently. That’s already a very interesting trait. Also, the behavior of cars — he’s been in a lot of different regulations, a lot of different rule sets. Some things were allowed, some were not, got banned, things like that. To have that general understanding of how a great car is, how a car that’s not fantastic performs — I think it’s very valuable for them to start with.”
Verstappen added that Pérez’s presence could provide Cadillac with an edge as they work to establish themselves in the highly competitive world of Formula 1: “Hopefully that will push them forward in the beginning, because it’s never easy to jump into Formula 1 and be competitive straight away. But we’ll see how that goes.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
For fans of Formula 1, Sergio Pérez’s comeback will be one to watch in 2026. While Cadillac’s maiden season is unlikely to immediately challenge the established front-runners, having a veteran like Pérez in the driver’s seat brings experience and perspective that could be crucial in building the team’s long-term success.
As Pérez looks to hit the reset button, and with Verstappen backing his ability to deliver, the stage is set for a new chapter in Pérez’s career and a bold statement from Cadillac Racing.
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