Pérez to return to F1 with Cadillac as negotiations reportedly continue – Sergio Pérez’s Formula One future, which looked uncertain following his departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of last season, is something the Mexican remains tight-lipped about but is said to be raging.
The Mexican driver might be preparing for a dramatic return – this time with a fresh new project in the works: Cadillac’s entry into F1.
Although Pérez remains without a seat for the 2025 F1 season, reports suggest that discussions are already underway regarding a potential deal with the newest team to join the championship. According to US broadcaster Fox Sports and journalist Chacho López, the 34-year-old has begun serious talks with Cadillac, who will make their debut in the sport in 2026. These discussions are said to have gone beyond casual interest, suggesting that a significant move could be in the works for the veteran racer.
Cadillac and the F1 newcomer project
General Motors’ luxury brand Cadillac is set to enter Formula One in 2026 as the eleventh team on the grid, in partnership with Andretti Global.
While the project has faced its fair share of scrutiny and challenges – most notably the reluctance of the FIA and FOM to give the green light to new entrants – the groundwork has been laid and plans continue to move forward.
From Cadillac’s perspective, bringing in a seasoned F1 driver to guide the project through its infancy seems like a logical strategy. Enter Sergio Pérez. The Mexican, who finished second in the drivers’ standings behind Max Verstappen in 2023, carries over a decade of F1 experience with him.
His journey has taken him through several teams, including Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point and, most recently, Red Bull. It’s a resume that offers just the kind of insight and leadership a rookie team could benefit from.
Fox Sports journalist Chacho López has revealed that negotiations between Cadillac and Pérez are already underway. “Checo believes he has a very good financial offer and a technical base from which to develop in the future,” said López. However, he added a word of caution: “But in the [new] season you start from scratch.”
Weighing the risks of a fresh start
Coming back with a brand new team comes with its own challenges. As a debutant on the grid, Cadillac is unlikely to be challenging for podiums or wins in the early years. This is an important factor that Pérez will have to consider carefully. With over 250 race starts and six Grand Prix wins under his belt, Pérez is not just a journeyman – he is a proven race winner.
Whether a developmental role in a fledgling operation satisfies the ambitions of a driver who just two seasons ago was battling for the runner-up position in the World Championship remains uncertain.
Then there’s the pressure of being the face of the project. As one of the most high-profile drivers potentially associated with Cadillac, Pérez would likely be the team’s lead driver. That could mean not just on-track duties, but a significant role in shaping car development, engineering feedback and mentoring teammates – especially if Cadillac opts to pair him with an American driver like Colton Herta, who is reportedly in the conversation.
A cold door at Red Bull
Although Pérez’s departure from Red Bull was officially described as a mutual decision, following a season in which he helped the team to a dominant Constructors’ Championship, the dynamics behind the scenes painted a more contentious picture. Chacho López was clear: a return to Red Bull Racing seems unlikely.
“I don’t think he would accept it because they treated him very badly there,” López remarked.
Despite being Max Verstappen’s most successful team-mate in terms of consistency and points in recent years, Pérez was often criticised by team management, especially when he failed to meet the near-impossible standard set by the three-time world champion.
With Red Bull already testing new talent such as Liam Lawson, who has so far struggled to live up to expectations, there is still speculation that Pérez could be recalled if his replacements don’t perform. However, the emotional weight of his previous experience with the team appears to be a deal-breaker.
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Support from within the F1 paddock
Notably, former Haas team principal and current RTL pundit Günther Steiner has publicly backed the idea of Pérez joining Cadillac. Steiner, known for his pragmatic and straightforward analysis, made a compelling case for the veteran’s inclusion in the team’s driver line-up.
“If you’re Cadillac, you need someone with experience. Checo has been with several teams for a long time. He knows his stuff. He could be a big help,” Steiner told GPBlog.
He even suggested a flexible approach: “Maybe he should be given a one-year contract”.
This endorsement adds weight to the argument that Pérez’s value extends beyond his race pace. His ability to provide guidance, adapt to new team environments and serve as a figurehead for a North American-based project make him an ideal candidate for Cadillac’s ambitions to become a competitive force in F1.
Alternatives for 2025: WEC and Le Mans on the table
If the Cadillac move does not materialise or is delayed, Pérez could still be seen behind the wheel in a competitive environment – albeit outside of F1.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that the World Endurance Championship (WEC), including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, is a likely destination for the Mexican in 2025.
Although details are still scarce, it has been suggested that Pérez could race in the GT category. This route would not only allow him to remain active in motorsport, but also keep his reflexes sharp ahead of a possible F1 return the following year.
With other ex-F1 drivers such as Mick Schumacher currently making a name for themselves in endurance racing – Schumacher will race for Alpine at Le Mans this year – Pérez wouldn’t be alone in exploring this route.
Nevertheless, the goal is clear. Pérez has made no secret of his desire to return to F1 as soon as possible. Despite losing his Red Bull seat just months after signing an extension until 2026, his focus remains on re-establishing himself in the paddock. A year in the WEC could serve as both a strategic and symbolic pause – a stepping stone to re-entry rather than a farewell lap.
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The road ahead
At only 34, Sergio Pérez is hardly past his prime. In a sport where experience and adaptability can triumph over raw youth in some cases, the Mexican remains an extremely valuable asset.
His performances in recent seasons, particularly his ability to secure podiums and fend off challenges from the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari when the Red Bull car was to his liking, confirm that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Cadillac may offer Pérez an unconventional route back into the sport, but it could be a match made in motorsport strategy. A major American manufacturer looking to establish its credibility in F1, and a seasoned veteran eager to return to the grid – it’s a story that makes both commercial and sporting sense.
For now, the F1 world is watching closely. Whether Cadillac and Pérez come to an agreement or another opportunity arises, one thing is clear: Sergio Pérez isn’t finished with Formula One. And with the ever-changing dynamics of the driver market, particularly in light of the 2026 regulation overhaul, the timing for a comeback might be just right.
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I’m fully positive Checo will eventually become a Cadillac driver, so zero doubts about this prospect, either paired with an American driver (Herta, Crawford, or another), or alternatively either Bottas or Zhou.
Carlos Slim sponsors & the Mexican market being the most important to Cadillac make him an effectively irresistible option.
However, like for Bottas & Zhou, Cadillac is literally his only option for a full-time return because more or less all other teams are set with their drivers for the medium to longer-term & unlikely to feature changes unless something drastic happens with the added factor of some other drivers being a clear priority like Colapinto as Doohan’s likely eventual full-time replacement.