Could Sergio Pérez Make an F1 Comeback with Cadillac?
Sergio Pérez might return to Formula 1 in 2026, with reports suggesting that the Mexican driver is in talks with Cadillac. Meanwhile, there are also rumors that he could compete in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Pérez spent 14 seasons in Formula 1, driving for teams like Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point, and Red Bull. Over his career, he secured six victories, 39 podiums, and three pole positions. His best season was in 2023 when he finished as the championship runner-up, improving on his third-place finish in 2022.
However, Pérez will not be on the F1 grid in 2025 after Red Bull decided to part ways with him at the end of the 2024 season due to inconsistent performances. The 35-year-old endured a tough campaign, marked by several costly crashes. At the start of 2025, Pérez announced that he would take a break for a few months before deciding on his next career move. He has expressed interest in endurance racing, particularly the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but has ruled out a switch to IndyCar. Formula E also remains a possibility, as his father, Antonio Pérez Garibay, has suggested.
A potential return to F1 with Cadillac in 2026 is now being discussed. The American manufacturer is set to enter the championship as the 11th team and has already signed a deal with Ferrari to supply engines and gearboxes. However, no official announcements have been made regarding their driver lineup.
Earlier this month, Mario Andretti hinted that Cadillac intends to have at least one American driver alongside an experienced F1 competitor. This shortlist reportedly includes Pérez, Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, and Guanyu Zhou, though the Mexican is currently seen as the frontrunner.
For Cadillac to officially join F1, they need final approval from both Formula 1 management and the FIA. A decision is expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, the team continues development work, utilizing Toyota’s wind tunnel and setting up a new base in the UK. There are also rumors that Cadillac may strengthen its partnership with Ferrari by using the Scuderia’s rear suspension components.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Pérez would be an ideal choice for Cadillac due to his experience and strong sponsorship backing. The Mexican driver remains supported by Telmex, the telecom giant, as well as several companies linked to billionaire Carlos Slim.
At the same time, Pérez is actively exploring opportunities to race in the LMGT3 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which could serve as a test for a future in endurance racing.
Former Haas team principal Günther Steiner recently commented that Pérez would be a logical option for Cadillac, should he decide to return to Formula 1.
“If you’re Cadillac, you need an experienced driver,” Steiner said. “Checo has been with multiple teams for a long time. His knowledge and experience could be a great asset.”
Steiner also suggested that a one-year deal for Pérez would be preferable to signing an inexperienced driver.
“This would be a much better move than bringing in a rookie who isn’t ready. It’s a great opportunity for Checo. By then, a year will have passed since he struggled against Max, and I think he could bring real value to Cadillac.”
He further pointed out that Pérez has historically performed better in teams where the pressure is lower.
“Checo was excellent at Force India. He always over delivered when he was the underdog. Unfortunately, he couldn’t handle the pressure at a top team,” Steiner added.
With Cadillac’s F1 entry still awaiting confirmation, Pérez’s future remains uncertain. However, whether it’s in endurance racing or a potential return to the Formula 1 grid, the Mexican driver is keeping his options open.
