Sergio Perez is emerging as a strong candidate for a major comeback in Formula 1 following his departure from Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season. After a series of inconsistent performances, the Mexican driver may join Cadillac’s newly launched F1 team, which plans to enter the championship in 2026.

Cadillac, preparing to debut as the sport’s 11th team, has yet to finalize its driver lineup. Team principal Graeme Lowdon aims to select a pair of drivers who can contribute experience and growth, with Perez’s background seen as a potentially valuable asset for the American outfit.

Expert Opinions on Perez’s Potential Role with Cadillac

James Hinchcliffe, a Canadian racing expert and Formula 1 commentator, highlighted how Perez’s experience with a top team like Red Bull might benefit Cadillac in its inaugural season.

“When you have a team where so much is new, the more experience you can build into the team from the get-go, the better,”

Hinchcliffe explained, adding,

“We’ve seen when other drivers were paired with Max, Checo was competitive, which might actually enhance his stock.”

Despite a rocky finish to his time at Red Bull, where he struggled to keep pace with teammate Max Verstappen despite finishing second in the 2023 drivers’ championship, Perez was instrumental in securing Red Bull’s constructor titles in 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Red Bull is facing its own driver uncertainties, having moved on from Liam Lawson and leaving Yuki Tsunoda’s 2026 contract undecided, which complicates the team’s strategy.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for Perez and Cadillac

Although there is speculation about Perez’s resurgence, the new Cadillac team is expected to face a tough start in competitiveness during its first year. Such circumstances might pose a challenge for Perez, who is reportedly eager for a significant and rewarding endeavor rather than a consolation role.

Lawrence Barretto, another F1 commentator, shared insights from his discussions with Perez regarding the driver’s intentions to return under the right conditions.

“What I can tell you is he is super hungry to come back to Formula 1 for the right project,”

Barretto added that Perez appreciates Cadillac’s ambitious vision and understands that initial success might be limited, but sees his skill set—including team motivation, tire management, and car development—as crucial contributions not commonly found among other drivers in the current market.

What Perez’s Comeback Could Mean for Formula 1

Sergio Perez’s possible return with Cadillac could mark a significant chapter in his career and for the sport at large. His experience may help accelerate the development of a new team in a highly competitive environment, while offering him a chance to rebuild his reputation and impact in Formula 1.

As Red Bull tackles its driver lineup challenges and Cadillac advances its preparations, the spotlight will remain on Perez’s ability to seize this comeback opportunity. The racing community eagerly awaits whether his return will ignite fresh excitement and elevate the sport’s dynamics once again.