In a surprising twist to the F1 driver carousel, Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, has hinted that Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo could stage dramatic comebacks with the highly anticipated Cadillac F1 team in 2026. As Formula 1 gears up for an expanded grid featuring Cadillac’s debut, Horner believes the experience of the two ex-Red Bull drivers makes them prime candidates.
The Road to 2026: Perez and Ricciardo’s Hiatus
Both Perez and Ricciardo find themselves sidelined for the 2025 season, victims of Red Bull’s ruthless quest for dominance. Ricciardo was dropped mid-season to allow rising star Liam Lawson to prove himself, while Perez’s inconsistent performance saw him ousted in favor of the young New Zealander.
However, Horner suggested that 2026 could offer both drivers a golden opportunity to reignite their F1 careers. Speaking about Cadillac’s need for experienced drivers, Horner remarked:
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they went for the experience of someone like Sergio if he wants to continue his career in F1. The same goes for Daniel, especially given his charisma and fan following.”
Perez’s Next Steps: Sabbatical or New Horizons?
While Ricciardo has seemingly hung up his F1 helmet for good, Horner revealed that Perez is using 2025 as a sabbatical to assess his future in motorsport.
“Checo [Perez] needs time to reflect. He’s been on the treadmill for so long. This is a chance for him to think about whether he wants to stay in Formula 1 or maybe explore other categories like sports cars,” Horner explained.
Perez’s wealth of experience and proven track record, including his tenure with Red Bull, makes him an attractive prospect for a new entrant like Cadillac. But the question remains: will the Mexican star be ready for another F1 stint, or will he choose to focus on a different racing discipline?
Cadillac’s F1 Debut: A Fresh Opportunity
Cadillac, backed by General Motors, is set to make its Formula 1 debut in 2026 as part of the sport’s expansion to 11 teams. The new entrant will benefit from the sweeping technical regulation changes arriving that season, which could help level the playing field.
The team is expected to prioritize at least one seasoned F1 driver to lead development and help navigate the competitive landscape. Both Perez and Ricciardo, with their wealth of experience and marketable profiles, perfectly fit the bill.
Red Bull’s Focus Remains Unchanged
Despite the buzz surrounding Cadillac’s entry, Horner stressed that Red Bull is laser-focused on its own challenges, including its new partnership with Ford for the 2026 engine regulations.
“They’ve got their own mountain to climb,” Horner said of Cadillac. “For us, it’s business as usual. We’re focused on staying at the top of ours.”
The Bigger Picture: A New Era of F1 Competition
The addition of Cadillac brings a fresh dynamic to the F1 paddock, but it also presents an intriguing subplot for fans: the potential return of seasoned veterans like Perez and Ricciardo. With Cadillac likely seeking drivers who can deliver results and guide a team through its infancy, their names will undoubtedly be high on the shortlist.
