Sergio Perez Likely to Make F1 Comeback with Cadillac Team

GENEVA, Switzerland – Veteran driver Sergio Perez is poised to return to Formula One as he nears a contract with the newly formed Cadillac team, which is set to debut in 2026. Following his exit from Red Bull Racing less than a year ago, Perez appears ready to start a new chapter in his racing career.

Reports out of Switzerland indicate that Perez is finalizing a lucrative sponsorship deal with a prominent global brand to support his return. The Mexican driver, once a critical component of Red Bull’s race strategy, found himself struggling to match teammate Max Verstappen‘s pace last season, which ultimately led to his departure from the team.

“I’ve always believed I have more to give to this sport,” said Perez, reflecting on his time away from competitive racing. “The opportunity with Cadillac feels like the right fit. They are ambitious, and I want to help build something meaningful.”

Perez’s tenure at Red Bull ended without the expected success. After consistently being touted as an ideal partner for Verstappen, Perez’s performances faltered. He finished eighth in the drivers’ championship, securing only 152 points—the lowest tally since joining the team in 2021. Red Bull opted to replace him with Liam Lawson, though a later driver swap brought Yuki Tsunoda into the seat.

Now, as Cadillac prepares for its entry into the F1 grid, the team is actively seeking drivers who can blend experience with marketable appeal. This strategy has placed Perez, who enjoys a significant following in Latin America, at the forefront of their recruitment efforts.

“We want someone who can provide technical feedback and engage our fan base. Sergio offers both,” said a source within Cadillac, who asked to remain anonymous. “His experience and popularity would be invaluable to our efforts.”

Recent reports from the Swiss outlet Blick indicate that Perez’s contract is nearing completion. While neither Perez nor Cadillac has officially commented on the ongoing negotiations, internal preparations have begun to align Perez’s integration into the team.

To further bolster his return, Perez has inked a new sponsorship deal with Heineken 0.0, a prominent player in the F1 sponsorship landscape. This partnership, which is thought to be financially significant, could facilitate his transition to Cadillac, given the emphasis on securing reliable financial support for a nascent team.

“Having a sponsorship like Heineken with me is a great advantage. It’s about making connections and maximizing opportunities,” Perez stated.

Perez’s racing history spans over a decade and includes impressive stints at Sauber, McLaren, Force India, and Racing Point, where he claimed victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. His legacy also includes significant contributions during his time with Red Bull. Nevertheless, the intense pressure to compete against Verstappen exposed the limitations of his on-track performance.

If Perez joins Cadillac, he would not only bring extensive racing experience but also help the team cultivate its identity from the ground up. The importance of establishing a competitive team presence on the grid, particularly in the rapidly growing U.S. market, is of paramount concern for Cadillac.

“Sergio is a driver who possesses the resilience and adaptability we need,” responded another anonymous Cadillac source. “Having him is not just about racing—it’s about the story we want to tell as we enter the sport.”

This potential signing, coupled with the ambitious vision of Cadillac’s management to build a successful racing team, marks a significant moment for Perez. Should this comeback materialize, it could become one of the most notable events in recent F1 history.

Final confirmations regarding the contract could take weeks, but the signs indicate a shift is underway as the 2025 season unfolds. The convergence of Perez’s ambitions, Cadillac’s drive for success, and robust sponsorship support suggests an eventful season ahead in Formula One.