Sergio Perez might be on the verge of making a return to Formula 1, with whispers circulating about a potential 2026 comeback with Cadillac.
- Otmar Szafnauer claims Perez’s only hurdle at Red Bull was the fierce competition from Max Verstappen.
- Despite a mixed bag of outcomes at Red Bull, Perez has proven his capabilities with victories like the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
- At 35, Perez’s experience and talent are still highly regarded, especially by fans chanting for his return.
- Cadillac F1 has yet to solidify its 2026 lineup, keeping options wide open for drivers like Perez.
Sergio Perez has been a familiar name in the F1 circuit, famously navigating through the intense world of motorsports. Now, rumors are buzzing about a 2026 comeback with the new team, Cadillac. Otmar Szafnauer, who worked closely with Perez at Force India, believes that Perez’s primary challenge at Red Bull was competing against the formidable Max Verstappen.
Back in 2021, Perez’s debut season with Red Bull saw him take top honors at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement as Verstappen’s teammate. Although Perez’s tenure at Red Bull included a commendable win for stalling Lewis Hamilton’s charge during the crucial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his later seasons were marred by struggles to match Verstappen’s pace. The Mexican driver’s on-track performance in 2023 signaled a decline, leading to a winless 2024 and subsequent departure from Red Bull.
Szafnauer holds no doubt about Perez’s capability to roar back into F1, particularly given his adept tire management and minimal mistakes, both hallmarks of his driving prowess. As Szafnauer puts it, “He is a wonderful driver who rarely makes mistakes and has a great sense of tyre management.” The buzz is that Perez is in ‘advanced talks’ with Cadillac for a spot in their 2026 roster, with fervent fans rallying behind the driver as they chanted “get Checo, get Checo” during a Miami event.
Despite the current speculation, Cadillac’s Graeme Lowdon has assured that no official decisions regarding their F1 2026 lineup have been reached, indicating that timing and fit are crucial. With Cadillac entering the F1 scene out of sync with other teams, there is a notable demand for seats, and as Lowdon describes, “we’re looking at everything we need to do.” The unique position of Cadillac means they have the luxury, and challenge, of selecting from eager drivers while also focusing on building a competitive car for the debut.
Sergio Perez’s potential return with Cadillac highlights an intriguing narrative for the 2026 F1 season, promising excitement for racing enthusiasts.
