Sergio Pérez is tipped to make a Formula One return with Cadillac in 2026 when the sport enters a new era of regulations. The Red Bull Racing team parted ways with Pérez after the 2024 season due to alleged underperformance.
The Mexican driver was reportedly under high pressure to perform but struggled with the RB20 F1 car that was riddled with balance problems last year. While Verstappen managed to secure his fourth championship despite the challenges, considering the car was more suited to his driving style, Pérez's struggles meant Red Bull lost out on a Constructors' Championship.
Following his Red Bull exit and a saturated F1 driver market, Pérez was unable to secure a seat for the 2025 season. However, Fox Sports journalist Chacho López claimed that Pérez will likely return to the premier class of motorsports next year with Cadillac. He said:
"I think Checo wouldn't accept [returning to Red Bull] because they treated him very badly. What would Checo ask for [to return]? He can't ask to be put as the first driver, because that's Max Verstappen, so that's not the question [...] he could say 'give me an important position because in another team I'll be number 1,' he will do it, surely, if he signs with Cadillac."
"But Cadillac isn't going to fight for victories or, perhaps, podiums; that's what I think Checo Pérez is thinking. In fact, there are already negotiations with Cadillac [...] Checo will be thinking that he'll have a very large financial offer, a technical base that can advance in the future, but in the season, you'll be starting from scratch." [Translated by Google]
López also revealed that internal politics at Red Bull led to Pérez's exit. He added:
"Red Bull isn't going to call him. Christian Horner's pride, who engineered Checo's exit and the one who raced him, is at stake. It's not just about the sport; it has a lot to do with politics." [Translated by Google]
Cadillac, America's second F1 team, was recently approved to be a part of the F1 grid by the Formula One Management (FOM). As it gears up for its F1 debut next year, the team has been shortlisting drivers. Newsweek Sports quoted Mario Andretti, the advisor on Cadillac's board of directors, who revealed the team's driver preferences. He said:
"There are more drivers available than teams at the moment. Ten teams seems a lot, but there's a lot more drivers, lot more talent out there.
"From our standpoint, I think the play at the beginning would be to have one experienced driver — nationality doesn't matter — and then a young American talent. These are the objectives at the moment."
With Pérez having extensive F1 experience, his return in a Cadillac F1 car next year cannot be ruled out.