Sergio Perez is poised to make a remarkable return to Formula 1 in 2026 after missing the entire 2025 season, with an official confirmation expected around the Italian Grand Prix weekend in Monza. This comeback follows his departure from Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, as he prepares to join the newly entering Cadillac F1 team.
Mexican Driver to Rejoin F1 With Cadillac’s Debut
The experienced Mexican driver, who first entered Formula 1 in 2011, will bring his valuable know-how to Cadillac’s lineup for their inaugural F1 season. Sources familiar with the situation have revealed that a deal is in place for Perez to secure one of the two new seats, marking the end of his year off the grid.
After Red Bull decided not to renew Perez’s contract following the 2024 campaign—leaving him without a spot for the 2025 season—the 35-year-old driver explored multiple opportunities to return. Throughout this period, communication with Cadillac remained steady, eventually leading to a likely agreement.
Despite a drop in performance last season, where he scored significantly fewer points than teammate Max Verstappen, Perez’s replacements Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have also struggled. This context adds weight to Perez’s suitability for Cadillac, especially given his extensive track record.
When asked earlier in the year about his plans, Perez stated that he intended to enjoy his time away from racing and spend time with his family, without ruling out a return to the sport.
In the next six months, I will make a decision on what I want for the next step in my career.
—Sergio Perez
His father, Antonio Perez Garibay, expressed confidence in his son’s future within Formula 1, hinting that Perez’s best days are still ahead.
The best version of Checo Perez is yet to come. Everybody is going to be very happy and very proud,
What Checo Perez did until the past was this. What is coming will be historic, I assure you.
Very big things are coming for Perez, the only thing I tell you is that we Perez have not left Formula 1.
—Antonio Perez Garibay, Sergio Perez’s father
Cadillac’s Strategic Approach to Driver Selection
Cadillac’s debut season in Formula 1 will be overseen by Graeme Lowdon, former CEO of Manor Marussia, who has emphasized a thoughtful approach to assembling the team. While experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas were considered, the focus has been on finding a balanced lineup that combines skill, experience, and potential.
Lowdon acknowledged that experience is important, citing the presence of seasoned professionals within Cadillac’s management and operational staff. However, he also highlighted the importance of evaluating several factors when choosing drivers, including talent and long-term prospects.
Do we value experience? Yes, you can see that from how we’re putting the rest of the team together – there’s a lot of very experienced people within the management and operational side of the team as well,
So that is important, but, when you’re looking at driver selection, there’s just a whole bunch of things that go into the decision making.
So it’s ability, capability, experience – but also looking towards the future as well.
I know it’s not the best answer in the world, because it doesn’t give a steer of which direction we may be going in, but it’s the real answer, which is that’s pretty much what we’re analysing at the minute.
—Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac F1 CEO
The final decisions are expected to include a rookie driver alongside Perez. Among the leading candidates for this second seat are Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich and promising Formula 2 talents such as Jak Crawford and Alex Dunne.
Backing From Former Teammates and Sponsors
Max Verstappen, Perez’s ex-Red Bull teammate and two-time world champion, has publicly supported his potential return to Formula 1, praising Perez’s consistency and experience. Verstappen noted that although Perez faced challenges at Red Bull, his motivation and track record make him a strong asset for any team, particularly a new entrant like Cadillac.
Checo has always been very strong,
Of course, he had some difficult moments with us, but as long as he has the motivation to race, I think he is a very good choice, especially for a new team.
If you look at his performances at Force India and Racing Point, you will see that he always scored good points there.
—Max Verstappen, Formula 1 World Champion
Perez’s history as a reliable midfield competitor is reinforced by his longstanding relationships with sponsors such as Telcel, Claro, Banorte, and Inter.mx. These partnerships add further appeal for Cadillac, as the team builds commercial and technical support for its debut.
What Lies Ahead for Sergio Perez and Cadillac F1
Sergio Perez’s confirmation as a Cadillac driver would not only mark a personal comeback after a year sidelined but also provide the new team with a proven and resourceful competitor. His return is anticipated to bring stability and experience, which could be pivotal as Cadillac aims to establish itself in the fiercely competitive environment of Formula 1.
For Perez, joining Cadillac represents a fresh start and an opportunity to add a historic chapter to his racing career, as indicated by his father’s remarks. For Cadillac, securing a seasoned driver complements their goal of building a competitive, forward-looking team.
As the Italian Grand Prix weekend approaches, the Formula 1 world eagerly awaits the formal announcement, which will solidify the lineup for a defining 2026 season that marks a new era with Cadillac’s entry and Sergio Perez’s much-anticipated return.