Perez in shock Mercedes F1 return discussion as...

Perez in shock Mercedes F1 return discussion as…read more

Sergio Perez, who is currently without a seat for the 2025 Formula 1 season, has found himself in a precarious position after being dropped by Red Bull. The Mexican driver had been with the team for several years, but following the winter break, his contract was not renewed, leaving him without a seat for the upcoming season. Despite this setback, Perez has made it clear that he is eager to return to F1 in the near future, with hopes of securing a seat for the 2026 season or possibly even sooner.

As Perez looks to make a comeback, a number of teams could potentially offer him a seat. One of the most talked-about options is Mercedes, a team that could have an opening depending on how their driver situation unfolds after the 2025 season. Both of their current drivers, George Russell and the up-and-coming Kimi Andrea Antonelli, have contracts that expire at the end of the 2025 season. This has led to speculation that Mercedes could be in the market for a new driver, and Perez’s name has been thrown into the mix.

However, while Mercedes might seem like a potential landing spot for Perez, there are several factors that could complicate such a move. One of the key challenges for Perez would be the team’s existing driver lineup. Russell, a rising star in the sport, is likely to be retained for the 2026 season, especially given his strong performances. Antonelli, the promising teenage rookie, could also be in line for an extension as Mercedes continues to invest in younger talent. Therefore, while Perez is a talented driver with significant experience, securing a spot with Mercedes could be difficult, given the team’s focus on long-term prospects.

Aside from Mercedes, another team that has drawn attention as a potential destination for Perez is Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls. However, this option seems highly unlikely. Red Bull has made it clear that their focus is on developing young drivers, and Perez’s return to the team would contradict their long-term development plans. Perez himself has stated that his goal is to return to a team capable of challenging for race wins, and it seems unlikely that Racing Bulls would provide him with that opportunity, especially considering their emphasis on nurturing younger talent.

The most likely team to offer Perez a seat in the near future, according to a recent poll of GPFans readers, is Cadillac, which is set to join the F1 grid in 2026 as the 11th team. With no drivers yet signed, Cadillac’s entry has generated significant interest, and Perez was a popular choice among fans. In the poll, an overwhelming 86% of respondents chose Cadillac as the team where Perez could make his return. The American-based team has not yet revealed its driver lineup, but it has been hinted that one of the seats will go to an American driver, which could limit Perez’s chances. Still, Cadillac’s entry provides a unique opportunity for Perez to restart his career with a new team and aim for competitive results.

While Perez’s future remains uncertain, his potential return to F1 has sparked considerable discussion. Despite his removal from Red Bull, Perez has not ruled out a return to a top team and is likely to stay involved with the sport, possibly working behind the scenes with Red Bull to stay connected to the grid. The 2026 season remains a realistic target for Perez to rejoin a team with strong championship ambitions. As teams like Mercedes, Racing Bulls, and Cadillac assess their driver options, Perez’s experience and past successes could make him an attractive option for a team seeking a reliable and proven driver.

For now, Perez’s focus appears to be on preparing for a potential return to the grid in 2026, as he works to regain his footing in F1. With his career still very much alive, the next few years could be pivotal in shaping the next chapter of his F1 journey.