Sergio Perez, a return to F1 with Cadillac?

Sergio Perez and Formula 1 — is it really over? Not so fast! The former Red Bull driver, who left the grid at the end of 2024 after four seasons alongside Max Verstappen, hasn’t completely closed the door on his single-seater career. While he’s currently enjoying a well-deserved break, he’s keeping a close eye on potential opportunities. « I have six months. I’ve given myself six months to see what options come up and decide the next step in my career, » he told Prodynamics.

No IndyCar, no Hypercar, no immediate return to single-seaters… Perez is playing the waiting game. But clearly, he doesn’t see himself staying out of a race seat for long. At 35, he knows he still has plenty left to give: « There are doors open in many places. Right now, I have the chance to decide what I want to do with my career. » Far from a definitive farewell, his break seems more like a transition phase.

Cadillac, the perfect opportunity?

For several weeks, Sergio Perez‘s name has been heavily linked with Cadillac, which will join the F1 grid in 2026 with Andretti. The American outfit is aiming to debut with an experienced and reliable driver… and who better than Checo? With 281 Grand Prix starts, he ranks among the most seasoned drivers in modern F1 history.

Cadillac isn’t hiding its intentions: they want a driver capable of leading the team through its early days. The project is ambitious, and an experienced driver would be both a strategic and marketing asset. And Perez is fully aware of that.

Recent history shows that a departure isn’t always a goodbye.

• Fernando Alonso? Left at the end of 2018, returned in 2021 with Alpine, then signed with Aston Martin.
• Nico Hülkenberg? Four years off the grid before returning in 2023 with Haas.

So why not Checo in 2026? Especially with a brand-new team in need of a strong foundation. And here’s a key point: his popularity. Perez enjoys a massive fan base in Mexico and across Latin America. For a brand like Cadillac, looking to win over the American market, he’d be a huge commercial asset.

A decision that depends on the 2026 driver market

Perez may be available, but F1 is a constantly shifting world. Everything will depend on the 2026 grid, which is bound to change with the new regulations. While Cadillac looks like a credible option, other teams could also be interested in an experienced driver.

But Perez knows he mustn’t rush: « What comes next is important, so I want to give myself the time and space to make the best decision. » In short, he’s giving himself six months to see how things unfold. One thing is certain: Checo hasn’t said his last word. And honestly, a 2026 comeback would be pretty epic!