Sergio Perez is poised to make his return to Formula 1 in 2026, joining the new Cadillac team as its lead driver. After a challenging 2025 season where he remained sidelined following his departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024, Perez is set to reclaim his place on the grid.
"I am excited about the opportunity to drive for Cadillac and looking forward to the new challenges ahead," said Sergio Perez, hopeful about his future in the sport. This announcement comes as Perez witnessed a significant drop in performance throughout the previous season, leading to his replacement by Liam Lawson at Red Bull.
Although Perez initially signed a two-year contract with Red Bull in June 2024, his performance declined rapidly, culminating in Lawson’s short tenure at the team. "It was disappointing to leave Red Bull, but I feel reinvigorated and ready to deliver my best with Cadillac," Perez added. Lawson's struggles allowed Perez’s management to explore new opportunities, leading them to Cadillac as the most promising option.
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The American manufacturer has shown interest in securing a proven driver, and sources indicate that Perez's signing will be financially beneficial for both parties involved, particularly with the influence of Mexican businessman Carlos Slim.
Cadillac is expected to confirm Perez's signing shortly after the Hungarian Grand Prix, which concludes the first half of the 2025 F1 season. The team's leadership believes that incorporating Perez will provide valuable experience as they establish their presence on the grid.
As the attention shifts to Cadillac's second seat, it seems a fierce competition is unfolding between Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher. Cadillac had originally aimed for an American driver to complement their lineup, targeting IndyCar star Colton Herta. However, he lacks the required superlicence points for F1.
"We are eager to find the right fit for our second driver, and both Bottas and Schumacher bring unique strengths to the table," commented Cadillac Team Principal. Bottas, who returned to Mercedes as a reserve driver in 2025, remains active and has been in discussions with Cadillac regarding the role.
Despite his interest in joining Cadillac, Bottas holds an additional option — the second seat at Alpine. The vacancy stems from Franco Colapinto's underwhelming performance, which has not met expectations since he replaced Jack Doohan. Alpine's management, particularly executive advisor Flavio Briatore, has expressed dissatisfaction with Colapinto's recent racing blunders. "The performance needs to be elevated significantly, and we are looking at all alternatives," Briatore stated openly.
Amid these developments, Bottas has reportedly been in talks with Briatore about possibly stepping into Colapinto's seat at Alpine, leaving the competition wide-open.
If Bottas were to secure the Alpine position, it could pave the way for Schumacher to return after a three-year hiatus from F1. Since losing his seat at Haas, Schumacher has been eyeing opportunities to re-enter the sport, and a chance at Cadillac could be a pivotal moment in his career.
As the 2025 season progresses, the dynamics within the teams continue to shift, and it remains to be seen how the driver market evolves heading into 2026. Both Perez and his potential teammates face different challenges and opportunities as they prepare for what could be a transformative season for the newcomers on the grid.
