Former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell has publicly recommended that Cadillac recruit Sergio Perez to leverage his extensive F1 experience for their debut season in 2026. With increasing talk about Perez’s return to the sport, Cadillac and Alpine are reportedly in discussions to bring the Mexican driver back onto the grid.
As a driver eyeing a comeback, Perez could benefit from the current uncertainties facing Red Bull’s secondary drivers. Mansell sees Perez as an optimal choice to guide a brand-new team, due to his proven skills and valuable racing knowledge.
Expertise and Proven Performance Make Perez a Strong Contender
Mansell highlighted the value of Perez’s background for a fledgling team aiming to be competitive immediately. He said,
“Checo deserves another opportunity. He has a lot of experience and drove well last year, helping Max to win the title.”
—Nigel Mansell, Former F1 World Champion
The former champion stressed the importance of having experienced drivers during a new team’s first season, as their feedback can be crucial in developing a competitive car and strategy under pressure.
Potential Impact on Cadillac’s Formula 1 Ambitions
With Mansell’s strong endorsement, attention is now focused on Cadillac’s recruitment decisions ahead of their 2026 campaign. The possibility of Perez leading their lineup brings excitement, suggesting that Cadillac aims to make a significant impression on the F1 landscape from the outset.
If Cadillac secures Perez, the team could benefit from his racecraft and consistency, which have been instrumental in supporting teammate Max Verstappen’s championship successes. Perez’s familiarity with the pressures and technical demands of Formula 1 may help Cadillac accelerate their development curve as a constructor.
Nigel Mansell’s Racing Legacy and Context
Nigel Ernest James Mansell, CBE, is a British racing driver known for winning the 1992 Formula One World Championship and the 1993 CART Indy Car World Series. Notably, he is the only driver to hold both the World Drivers’ Championship and the American open-wheel National Championship simultaneously. Having competed in Formula One for 15 seasons, Mansell ranks as the second most successful British F1 driver by race wins—with 31 victories—behind Lewis Hamilton’s 103.
Mansell’s experience in high-pressure environments and his understanding of the value of veteran drivers underscore his support for bringing Sergio Perez on board as Cadillac prepares for its debut.
Looking Ahead to a New Era in Motorsport
The potential signing of Perez by Cadillac represents more than a driver acquisition; it signals a strategy to blend talent with experience to fast-track competitiveness in Formula 1’s evolving grid. As a team starting from scratch, Cadillac’s decision will likely influence not only their initial performance but also the development direction of their car and operations.
The motorsport community waits in anticipation to see if Cadillac will follow Mansell’s recommendation and entrust Perez with the responsibility of steering their F1 project toward success in 2026 and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?
A. In Formula 1, only the number 17 is no longer used. This is in memory of Jules Bianchi, a driver from France. Bianchi had number 17 on his car when he had a tragic accident at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British race car driver in Formula One. He currently competes for Mercedes and has previously raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.
Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?
A. Drivers can pick any number from 0 to 99, except for number 1. Only the current World Drivers’ Champion can choose to use number 1, but it is not mandatory for them.
Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton is a British race car driver, currently competing in Formula One with the Mercedes team. Born in 1985, he has also raced for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his wide range of interests and hobbies.