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Sergio Perez, a six-time Grand Prix winner, is reportedly in discussions to join Cadillac’s Formula 1 team for the 2026 season, according to Spanish media outlet Marca. Following his departure from Red Bull Racing after a challenging 2024 campaign, Perez is exploring a full-time comeback to the sport.
Perez's Future in Formula 1
The timing of Perez’s exit from Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season left him without a seat for the 2025 season, forcing him to sit out for at least a year. However, his management team is actively working on securing a spot for 2026 when new regulation changes will see two additional seats open on the grid.
Cadillac’s Entry into Formula 1
Cadillac, backed by General Motors, was granted entry into Formula 1 by the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) late last year. The team is set to join the grid in 2026, marking the sport’s expansion to 11 teams. While General Motors plans to develop power units for the team from 2028, Cadillac is currently negotiating with Ferrari to use customer engines for the initial seasons.
Andretti’s Influence and Driver Selection
Despite Andretti Global’s initial bid being rejected by FOM in early 2024, the new Cadillac entry will still feature strong Andretti involvement. Mario Andretti, the 1978 world champion, has joined the board of directors and emphasized the team’s strategy of pairing a young American driver with an experienced Formula 1 competitor.
Reports indicate that IndyCar star Colton Herta is the frontrunner for one of the seats, while Perez’s representatives are actively positioning him as the leading candidate for the second seat alongside Herta.
Perez’s Experience and Career Highlights
Perez boasts extensive experience in Formula 1, having competed between 2011 and 2024 with teams such as McLaren, Racing Point, and Red Bull. During his tenure, he secured six Grand Prix victories and played a crucial role in Red Bull’s recent dominance. However, his 2024 season was marred by inconsistencies, finishing 224 points behind teammate and world champion Max Verstappen. This performance gap ultimately cost Red Bull the Constructors’ Championship, which was clinched by McLaren through the combined efforts of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Cadillac’s Priorities and Perez’s Prospects
According to Marca, Cadillac has made hiring an experienced Formula 1 driver a top priority as it prepares for its debut season. The team is keen to bring in a veteran presence to guide the new project, making Perez a strong contender for the role.
Perez has not won a Grand Prix in nearly two years and was replaced by Liam Lawson at Red Bull for the 2025 season. However, if the reported negotiations with Cadillac materialize, the Mexican driver could make a highly anticipated return to the sport in 2026.
Cadillac’s Engine Strategy
As Cadillac finalizes its preparations for Formula 1, the team’s immediate focus is securing a competitive power unit. With General Motors unable to produce engines until 2028, the team is reportedly in discussions with Ferrari to supply customer engines for their initial seasons on the grid.
With a combination of fresh talent and experienced leadership, Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 promises to bring new dynamics to the sport. If Perez secures his seat, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s competitive journey.
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