Sergio Checo Pérez was signed by Red Bull at the end of 2020, when it seemed that the Mexican’s career in Formula 1 was coming to an end. He replaced Alexander Albon and played a key role in Verstappen’s 2021 title win. Today, five years later, the Mexican not only finds himself without a seat for 2026 but it seems somewhat complicated for him to do so again at his highest level.
Cadillac is the most tempting option for Sergio Pérez for 2026
In both 2022 and 2023, together with Verstappen, he helped win the constructors’ championship, and finished second in the standings in 2023, as well as achieving a historic victory in the Monaco Grand Prix. However, that year his performance began to decline: he started each season strongly, but in the second half he was unable to keep up with his team mate.
In 2024, Checo Pérez finished eighth in the championship, becoming the teammate of a world champion who had been less favored in 41 years of competition. This led, of course, to Red Bull firing the Mexican and putting Lawson first, and now Tsunoda, who seems to have finally taken over his seat.
Since then, Checo Pérez has been trying to find new destinations, although everything pointed to the fact that the driver would no longer be part of a Formula 1 grid. The confirmed news came that Cadillac was going to join F1 as the 11th team in 2026, opening up the possibility that the winner of up to five Grands Prix could take the wheel.
But not just Cadillac: “There are several alternatives for Checo Pérez. We have time to explore what suits him best.”
Cadillac, amid rumors and bickering, did not deny the possibility that the driver was a candidate for one of their seats, but neither did they take anything for granted. So far, what is known is that in addition to Checo Pérez, other candidates are Colthon Hertha, and Zhou, Bottas and, perhaps, Alex Palou.
Graeme Lowdon, CEO of the new F1 team for 2026, was interviewed on the Speed City channel, and hinted that it is one of the many options they have in mind. “We’ve probably spoken to 7 or 8 drivers in total, and it wouldn’t be surprising if anyone with recent F1 experience was included on that list.”
The executive emphasized that there is a lot of competition among the drivers who are real options for Cadillac’s return. “At this point, any conversation is very premature, we’re just trying to get a sense of people’s level of interest, their motivations, and that sort of thing. We are certainly not in advanced talks with any drivers.”
In any case, the experience of Sergio Checo Pérez as a race winner and world runner-up may be of interest to any team, especially in a year when they will need two teams: one focused on the 2025 season and the other developing the 2026 car.
The Mexican’s experience is a degree for the design of the 2026 season cars
The 2026 season will mark a new direction in the design of single-seaters, with a power unit with a greater load on the electrical system, as well as mobile aerodynamics on the front spoiler. The teams will not be able to start developing these single-seaters until January 1, 2025, when they will be able to begin the preparatory work.
That is why, in addition to Cadillac, other teams that could be interested in signing the Mexican have started to be mentioned. He also knows the ins and outs of the Red Bull team and could be important for the development of any team, especially those where much more information is needed.
From Mexico, there is encouragement that one of those teams could be Haas, although for that to happen Bearman or Ocon would have to vacate a seat. Businessman Carlos Slim, who is close to Pérez and a key figure in his sporting career, had his say on the matter. Here, he stated that the Guadalajara native is still evaluating different options for the future. “There are several alternatives. Next year there will be many changes in the line-ups,” said Slim.
“We have time to explore what is best for him and what he would like to do,” Slim explained to Sports Illustrated Mexico. The businessman emphasized that, regardless of his 35 years of age, Pérez maintains the competitive level and physical preparation necessary to return to the championship if the right opportunity arises. ‘Checo Pérez continues to train intensely. He is fit, active and in communication with several teams. He has talent, experience and still has a lot to offer,’ he said.