BREAKING : Sergio Perez Considered for Potential F1 Return with Cadillac in 2026… Read more
Sergio Perez Considered for Potential F1 Return with Cadillac in 2026
Sergio Perez’s hopes of making a dramatic return to Formula 1 have received a major boost, as he is reportedly on a shortlist of three drivers being considered for a race seat with the new Cadillac F1 team.
After a difficult 2024 season with Red Bull, where he struggled to match the performance of Max Verstappen, Perez was dropped from the team and replaced by young driver Liam Lawson. However, Lawson’s poor performances in the second Red Bull seat have led to a reassessment of Perez’s final season. The New Zealander’s struggles were so significant that Red Bull decided to replace him after just two races, bringing back Yuki Tsunoda instead.
With Lawson failing to deliver, perceptions about Perez’s capabilities have shifted, and his experience is now being viewed in a more favorable light. This change in narrative has placed him in contention for a return to the grid in 2026 with the newly formed Cadillac F1 team.
Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 world champion and a key figure in Cadillac’s F1 project, recently confirmed that the team is looking to secure an experienced driver for its debut season. While he declined to reveal the names under consideration, he acknowledged that Perez is a viable option.
In an interview with the Spanish edition of ESPN, Andretti emphasized the need for discretion, stating, “We prefer to keep this information confidential for now, as we don’t want to raise expectations in areas where things might not materialize.” He further elaborated that while there are many talented drivers in the United States, licensing issues limit their eligibility for an F1 seat.
Regarding the team’s selection process, Andretti noted, “For the second driver, we are looking at an experienced competitor who will be available. The list of candidates is quite clear, and realistically, we are considering three drivers.”
When asked directly about Perez’s chances, Andretti responded, “He’s an option. Certainly, he could be an option. That’s all I can say. Right now, Liam Lawson’s performances have made Checo look very, very good.”
With Cadillac preparing to enter Formula 1 in 2026, the team’s search for a seasoned driver is crucial to ensuring a strong debut. Perez’s extensive experience, including six Grand Prix victories, makes him a strong contender for the role. However, with two other drivers reportedly in the mix, competition for the seat remains fierce.
Should Perez secure the drive, it would mark a remarkable comeback for the 35-year-old, proving that his F1 career is far from over.
