Jonathan Wheatley says Sergio Perez can still shine in F1

Sergio Perez and Red Bull parted ways at the end of last season, after four years together. The Mexican driver then took a step back to consider his options, before deciding that he wanted to return to F1, provided he found a project that suited him.

A return to F1 next season?

Aged 35, Sergio Perez is in contact with several teams, including Cadillac – which will make its debut in Formula 1 next season – as well as Alpine.

Cadillac, led by Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, is currently evaluating its options to form its driver duo, and the American team seems to prioritize experience.

Sergio Perez does not lack experience, and he is among the favorites for one of the two seats, alongside Valtteri Bottas. In 2023, the Mexican had secured six wins, 39 points (likely an error in the original version: perhaps podiums or other stats), and a second place in the drivers’ world championship.

Asked by F1.com about Sergio Perez’s ambitions to return to Formula 1, Jonathan Wheatley stated: « First of all, I really enjoyed working with Checo. He is an endearing personality with a great attitude towards life, quite simply. »

« I have no doubt about his speed. It’s something natural for him from the beginning. He has accomplished incredible races with my former team, and I don’t think a break is a real obstacle for him. When you know how to drive an F1, you know it, period. »

Sergio Perez without a seat since 2024

Sergio Perez left Red Bull while he still had two years remaining on his contract, after a difficult season during which he was clearly outperformed by his teammate and reigning world champion, Max Verstappen.

Since his departure, neither Liam Lawson nor Yuki Tsunoda have managed to extract the full potential of the car in that same seat – which helps to better understand the difficulties faced by the Mexican in 2024.

Jonathan Wheatley also praised the ability of the former Sauber and Force India driver to unite a team, emphasizing that Sergio Perez knew how to push those around him to surpass themselves, including himself.

“I spent a lot of time with him at the beginning because I wanted to get to know him and for him to adapt to the team,” Wheatley explained.

« What I really appreciated was that he pushed me in my role as a sports director, really hard. He made me question whether I was giving everything I had, not by criticizing, but by positively challenging me. And I liked that. »

« I think it motivated me to become better at my job, and I dare to believe that it might have been reciprocal: that our collaboration also helped him to progress. »

He concluded: « He is completely focused on performance – and what more can one ask of a driver? »

Cadillac continues to evaluate its options for its two seats in 2026, and sources indicate that the list of candidates has been reduced to only a few names. Discussions will take place in the coming weeks with the parties involved.