Liam Lawson’s rocky start at Red Bull in 2025 casts new light on Sergio Perez’s capabilities as speculation swirls around Perez’s potential return to F1 with Cadillac.
- Lawson replaced Perez at Red Bull, but struggled early in the 2025 season, prompting a swift team decision.
- Mario Andretti hints at Cadillac F1’s interest in pairing Perez with an emerging American driver for 2026.
- Yuki Tsunoda steps in at Suzuka, marking another twist in Red Bull’s lineup changes.
- Perez remains a prominent option for Cadillac, despite strong contenders like Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.
Liam Lawson’s journey with Red Bull took an unexpected turn when his early struggles in the 2025 season began drawing comparisons to his predecessor, Sergio Perez. Perez, who had lost his seat at the end of 2024 after a disappointing year, seemed to shine in hindsight, with his previous struggles now regarded in a different context. Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 World Champion, remarked that Lawson’s performance was inadvertently making Perez “look very, very good.”
With Cadillac F1 joining the racing scene in 2026, eyes are on who will be part of their debut lineup. There’s talk that Sergio Perez is a prime candidate, bolstered by his substantial experience and previous successes. Andretti’s hints about Perez’s potential involvement with Cadillac have stirred the pot, especially as there is consideration for pairing him with an American driver, possibly IndyCar’s Colton Herta.
At Red Bull, the driver seat saw yet another change as Yuki Tsunoda took over before the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. This made him Max Verstappen’s third teammate within merely four races, underscoring Red Bull’s continuous lineup adjustments since Perez’s departure.
While Perez is rumored to be on Cadillac’s radar, he faces competition from other seasoned drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu. Bottas, a ten-time race winner, is eyeing a return after rejoining Mercedes as a reserve driver. Zhou, with backing from Ferrari, presents a formidable alternative due to his sponsorship potential and connections within Cadillac’s management.
Despite his quiet exit from Red Bull, Perez remains a powerhouse of interest in the F1 sphere. Escuderia Telmex’s Jimmy Morales mentioned that Perez is actively seeking opportunities for a viable return, fueled by his competitive nature. The quest for a suitable project that ignites his interest is ongoing, and with Cadillac’s plans unfolding, Perez’s future in F1 remains a topic of intrigue.
As the F1 landscape evolves, Lawson’s challenges highlight the shifting dynamics and potential opportunities for seasoned drivers like Perez.
