“Checo” Pérez seems to be moving away from Formula 1 once and for all, as his father, Antonio Pérez, has stated in an interview in the Mexican media, denying a possible signing for one of the Cadillac drivers next season.
Checo Pérez’s father confirms his retirement from F1
Antonio Pérez was categorical in stating that his son will not return to Formula 1. During an interview with the program De Primera Mano, the former Mexican congressman wanted to settle any speculation about the driver’s future.
“No, Sergio Pérez is finished in Formula 1, he has said so himself. The truth is that I have no contact with anything to do with Formula 1, nor do I have any communication. There is no more talk of Formula 1 in my family“. ‘There is no more Formula 1 for Sergio Pérez. ’Checo‘ has finished his film and there is no more ’Checo’ Pérez for Formula 1”.
Rumors of Cadillac
However, despite these statements, the name of “Checo” Pérez is still being mentioned by the American team for a possible return in 2026 with Cadillac. The American team, which will become the eleventh team on the F1 grid, has not yet decided who its drivers will be and the Mexican is still an option.
According to the Mexican media, “Checo” Pérez has spoken with Cadillac management, which has fueled the hopes of those who want to see the young driver back in Formula 1. One of the reasons that could make this signing possible is the commercial appeal that Sergio Pérez brings. His signing for Cadillac would mean a huge influx of sponsors and merchandising, something key for a rookie team in search of economic stability and media exposure.
F1 collapses in Mexico
As expected, the departure of “Checo” Pérez from Red Bull at the end of last season, audiences and follow-up in the Aztec country have plummeted. Follow-up on social networks, both of the category and of the Austrian team, has decreased drastically in important markets, not only in Mexico, but throughout Latin America.
“Checo” Pérez has participated in 13 world championships, in which he has mobilized a social mass of followers who have been orphaned after his departure from Red Bull last year. After having signed his renewal last summer, being left without a seat at the end of the season was a hard and unexpected blow for all his followers.
In fact, one of the reasons why Cadilac did not want to commit to the Mexican is precisely because of this: the driver did not achieve the expected results, but the general public always blamed Red Bull for his poor performance. The American brand, given its proximity to Mexico (they are neighboring countries), fears that a poor performance by Pérez will lead to criticism of its brand, which is not at all favorable for any team, especially if you are a rookie in Formula 1.
For the moment, the future of the Mexican “Checo” Pérez is an enigma. Although his father assures that his time in Formula 1 is over, speculation about Cadillac’s arrival continues. Seeing the driver back in the Grand Circus could have a huge impact on the Mexican audience, but his performance in recent years, and the negative significance that this has generated, could prevent us from seeing him driving a Formula 1 car again. The mark he leaves is indelible, with his good things and his bad deeds, and the bad thing is that his last stint in F1 has ended in the saddest way for motorsport.