Sergio Perez may be gearing up for a return to Formula 1 after losing his Red Bull seat at the end of 2024. The Mexican driver, who has remained quiet about his future since his departure, is now reportedly in discussions with a new F1 team, with Cadillac emerging as a likely destination.
Perez’s potential return was hinted at by one of his main sponsors, Escuderia Telmex. Jimmy Morales, the director of the company, confirmed that they have been exploring options for Perez’s comeback.
“We’ve spoken to everyone and looked at their plans and whether there’s room for Checo,” Morales revealed on the Formula 2 podcast. “The most important thing is that he is interested. It’s peace of mind, the ability to focus on your work. There are many factors that play a role in performing at your best. That’s what we’re looking for for Checo.”
This aligns with Perez’s earlier statement to ESPN Deportes, in which he said he would take six months to decide his next career move. He also emphasized his desire to enjoy life, take on new experiences, and spend more time with his family before making a decision.
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Perez’s Father Teases a ‘Historic’ Move
Adding further intrigue to the speculation, Perez’s father, Antonio Perez Garibay, has hinted that something significant is on the horizon.
“The best version of Checo Perez is yet to come,” he told Soy Motor. “Everyone will be very happy and proud. What Checo has done so far is just the beginning. What is coming will be historic, I assure you. Big things are coming. The only thing I am telling you is that we have not left Perez in Formula 1 yet.”
These strong words suggest that a deal could be in the works for the 34-year-old driver to continue competing at the highest level.
Cadillac’s Ambitious F1 Plans
Cadillac, which plans to enter Formula 1 in 2026 as part of the Andretti project, is actively looking for experienced drivers to lead their debut campaign. Alongside Perez, other names reportedly in the mix include Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, and Kevin Magnussen.
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The team is also expected to field an American driver, with Colton Herta seen as the frontrunner. However, Kyle Kirkwood remains an option depending on his 2025 IndyCar performance.
If Perez does secure a seat with Cadillac, he could extend his F1 career longer than many expected. After a mixed tenure at Red Bull—where he shined early but struggled to keep pace with Max Verstappen—this could be the fresh start he needs.
While nothing is official yet, the growing momentum behind Perez’s return suggests that fans may not have seen the last of “Checo” in Formula 1.