Sergio Perez closer and closer to Cadillac

Already a return to F1 for Perez? The Mexican driver, ousted from Red Bull at the end of last season after a difficult year where he finished eighth in the championship, 7 positions and 285 points behind his teammate Max Verstappen, seems close to finalizing a deal with Cadillac. According to information from *Autosport*, a three-year contract awaits the former Racing Point driver. However, at least two other teams also appear to be negotiating with the 35-year-old driver for next season.

Rumors are circulating as the Mexican Grand Prix has just been extended on the F1 calendar until 2028. For his part, Perez had mentioned wanting to give himself at least six months to consider all options. Carlos Slim, Mexican businessman and the main supporter of the driver, stated a few days ago that Checo is looking for something that can excite him and present him with a challenge. Even though nothing has been signed yet, the transfer of Sergio Perez to Cadillac seems to be taking shape more and more.

Perez, an ideal profile for Cadillac

This possible partnership is ideal for both parties. Sergio Perez, after a difficult last year with the Austrian team, could already find a place on the starting grid, this time as a team leader, a position in which he had some standout performances in the past, such as his victory at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020. Meanwhile, Cadillac would have, with Sergio Perez, a very experienced driver (281 F1 starts) who has given Red Bull several constructors’ titles. An experience that Graeme Lowdon, head of Cadillac, wants to have in his team at all costs. “Fortunately for us, there are a lot of good drivers available. Unfortunately, we couldn’t be active in the driver market as long as our entry wasn’t confirmed,” he said in March.

« It is important for us to talk with several potential candidates. Do we see very talented drivers who are not currently on the grid? Yes, absolutely. We will be very busy discussing with several people; my phone keeps ringing. What is a bit complicated is that, as we are a new team, the schedule is not as clear as usual. Normally, everything is well defined for those participating in driver negotiations. But there are easily half a dozen, if not more, candidates with very strong arguments for being in Formula 1, or returning to it. » While there is no shortage of candidates for one of the seats at Cadillac, the Mexican is very likely at the top of the list. In fact, he is present this weekend in Miami as the latest information suggests that the former Red Bull driver will make his decision this month.

A line-up without an American driver?

If Cadillac is close to securing its first driver, the identity of their teammate remains unknown for now. Although it is an American brand, for Lowdon this does not necessarily mean that the team will recruit an American driver. “We will choose our drivers based on merit,” he stated at the Bahrain Grand Prix. “Having a driver chosen on merit does not exclude the possibility that they might also have an American passport. We have many options.”

« But we can’t judge an F1 team solely based on what it does this year or next year. The team is here to last. I think fans would like to see an American driver in an American team. Nothing prevents it, but we must make our choices based on merit and build a team, as there are a few very experienced drivers available. And when we put together our driver duo, no matter who it is, it will be strong. »

Before making its decision, Cadillac is organizing a red carpet event this Saturday evening to unveil its future livery as well as the branding of the future car. A way to perhaps catch the eye of certain drivers.