Sergio Perez isn’t ready to fade into Formula 1’s rearview mirror just yet. The former Red Bull driver, who was unceremoniously dropped after a turbulent 2024 season, is reportedly setting his sights on a return to the grid—and Cadillac might just be his golden ticket.
From Red Bull Fallout to a Fresh Start?
Perez’s F1 career, which dates back to 2011, seemed all but over when Red Bull decided to cut him loose after a rollercoaster campaign. While teammate Max Verstappen dominated, Perez struggled, collecting a meager 67 points over the final 19 rounds—a performance that ultimately cost Red Bull the Constructors’ Championship.
Despite initial confidence that he would keep his seat, the six-time Grand Prix winner was left blindsided by Red Bull’s decision. Speaking after the bombshell exit, Perez admitted he was caught off guard:
“Everything happened very quickly at the end of last season. I didn’t expect to leave the team. In the next six months, I will make a decision on what I want for the next step in my career.”
Now, sources close to Spanish publication Marca claim Perez’s “big goal” is to reclaim his place in F1, and the much-anticipated Cadillac project could be his ideal destination.
Cadillac’s F1 Bid – The Perfect Fit for Perez?
General Motors-backed Cadillac is pushing for a historic entry into Formula 1 as an 11th team by 2026. Spearheaded by legendary 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti, the American outfit is seeking a mix of experience and homegrown talent for its debut lineup.
Andretti has already floated the idea of bringing in a seasoned driver to complement a young American rookie, telling NBC:
“From our standpoint, I think the play at the beginning would be to have one experienced driver—nationality doesn’t matter—and then a young American talent. These are the objectives at the moment.”
This formula could make Perez an attractive choice. While other experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas have also been linked to the seat, Perez holds a key advantage: financial firepower.
The Money Factor: Will Perez’s Backers Tip the Scales?
One of Perez’s biggest assets isn’t just his racecraft—it’s his commercial appeal. According to Marca, billionaire Carlos Slim and the lucrative sponsors that backed Perez at Red Bull are willing to follow him to his next destination. That kind of financial muscle could make him an irresistible prospect for Cadillac.
Additionally, Perez brings a loyal and passionate fanbase. Marca highlighted that he is one of the few drivers who can significantly boost attendance at races in Mexico, Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas—an invaluable asset for an American-based F1 team looking to establish itself.
Paddock Insiders Endorse a Perez-Cadillac Move
Red Bull’s Christian Horner believes Cadillac would be wise to snap up his former driver, telling talkSPORT:
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they went for the experience of someone like Sergio if he wants to continue his career in F1.”
Meanwhile, former Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Perez could thrive in a less pressurized environment.
“If you’re Cadillac, you need somebody experienced. Checo has been in quite a few teams for a long time. He knows his way around. He could be a big help.”
Steiner even suggested that stepping away from the Red Bull pressure cooker could revitalize Perez’s performance:
“Checo was very good when he was at Racing Point. He always overdelivered as an underdog. He couldn’t keep up with the pressure of the top team. So maybe it’s his comfort zone where he doesn’t have to prove himself by winning every weekend.”
The Road to 2026 – Will Perez Seize His Second Chance?
While Perez might be on the sidelines in 2025, his wealth of experience and deep sponsorship backing could make him Cadillac’s prime target for 2026. With the team looking for a steady hand to guide their F1 entry, could Checo be the missing piece of their puzzle?
For now, one thing is clear: Sergio Perez isn’t done with Formula 1 just yet. And if Cadillac plays its cards right, the Mexican star could be leading the charge for America’s next big F1 dream.