Last Updated on February 4 2025, 8:53 pm
Could Sergio Perez make an F1 comeback? Guenther Steiner suggests possible destination from paddock whispers – Sergio Perez’s departure from Red Bull marked the end of his latest chapter in Formula One, but it may not be the last. Despite an underwhelming 2024 season that led to the early termination of his contract, the Mexican’s wealth of experience still makes him a valuable asset in the paddock.
And according to former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, Perez could soon be back in the premier category of motorpost – this time with Cadillac.
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Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1: A new opportunity for Perez?
With Cadillac set to enter the sport in 2026 as part of the Andretti-Cadillac project, the American outfit is actively looking for its first driver line-up. For Steiner, Perez represents an ideal candidate to help the team navigate its early years in the sport.
“When you’re Cadillac, you need someone with experience. Checo has been in different teams for a long time. He knows his stuff. He could be a big help. Maybe he should be given a one-year contract,” suggested Steiner in an interview with GPBlog.
Perez’s extensive career, which includes 281 race starts with teams such as Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point (now Aston Martin) and Red Bull, positions him as an experienced hand who could guide a new entrant like Cadillac through the complexities of F1. Steiner believes Perez would be “much better suited” to the challenge than a rookie fresh from Formula 2 or other series.
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Can Perez thrive as an underdog again?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Perez’s future is whether he can rediscover the form that made him a consistent points scorer and podium finisher in the past. His 2024 campaign with Red Bull was far from successful as he struggled to match the dominance of teammate Max Verstappen.
While Verstappen stormed to his fourth world title, Perez finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship, a performance that ultimately cost him his seat.
However, Steiner believes a different team environment could be just what Perez needs. Expectations at Cadillac would be significantly lower than at Red Bull, where he was often under immense pressure to deliver top results.
“We have to be realistic. Fighting for a point because the car can’t be better is one thing, but fighting for a point when your team-mate is winning races with the same car puts you in a different mental position. It’s a different kind of pressure,” explained Steiner.
Perez has traditionally thrived in situations where he is the underdog, particularly during his time at Racing Point and Force India. He has built a reputation as a skilled tyre manager and an opportunistic driver who can capitalise on chaotic races to produce unexpected results.
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A year off to regroup?
Following his departure from Red Bull, Perez indicated that he would take some time to assess his future. Speaking at an event in Guanajuato, Mexico, in early January, he revealed that he would make a decision within six months.
“In the next six months I will decide how to continue my career,” Perez said, adding that he was “completely happy” with his current situation. He also left the door open to a return, stating that he would return to F1 “if that is what makes me happiest”.
This period of reflection could be crucial for Perez. A year away from the sport could allow him to mentally recover from the intense pressure of racing alongside Verstappen and rediscover the motivation needed for a fresh challenge.
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Is Cadillac the right move?
If Perez does return, a move to Cadillac would be an intriguing one. The team’s entry into F1 is highly anticipated, but as with all new teams, early struggles are expected. Competing against established manufacturers will be an uphill battle, meaning Perez would likely spend much of his time fighting for lower points positions rather than podiums or victories.
For a driver accustomed to running at the front of the pack in a Red Bull, such a move could be seen as a step backwards. However, it would also give him the chance to take a leadership role and help develop the team and car in its formative years. His experience could prove invaluable as Cadillac looks to establish itself in the sport.
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The verdict: Will Perez return to F1?
While nothing is confirmed, Steiner’s endorsement of Perez as a potential Cadillac driver adds an interesting layer to the Mexican’s future prospects. If Cadillac are looking for an experienced driver to help steer their project in the right direction, Perez could be an ideal fit.
Ultimately, it will come down to whether Perez sees himself taking on such a challenge. With time on his side and options potentially opening up, the former Red Bull driver will have to carefully consider his next move. If he decides to return, it could be another fascinating chapter in his rollercoaster F1 career.
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Firstly, Cadillac is his only option for a full-time return, but even that team is an option only if they care about the Mexican market or Carlos Slim money, if not both.
He simply doesn’t stand a chance without these external factors due to his lengthy period of subpar performance.
Therefore, Bottas as another experienced GP winner is in a more advantageous position to receive a drive in the upcoming new team, as he not only has achieved more than Checo & doesn’t have a lengthy subpar performance period behind him.