By Joe Man
There has already been much discussion in 2025 about who will become Cadillac’s drivers when they enter the sport in 2026. Another hot topic has been where former Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Pérez will end up. There was always the possibility that Sergio might call it a day and settle into life as a family man. However, it seems that this is not part of his plan.
He has openly spoken about his desire to return, and he would be a great addition to most teams. So why Cadillac?
The answer is pretty simple: there are no other seats available! Cadillac appears to be the Mexican’s only option. The only thing that could shake up the grid is if Yuki Tsunoda joins the long list of Red Bull drivers who didn’t make the cut, prompting the team to bite the bullet and pursue another big name. Even then however, a return would surely be extremely unlikely.
Imagine that by the end of 2025, McLaren has had a massive fallout between their two number-one drivers, causing them to cost each other and the team championships. One of them would have to go!
Cadillac, however, makes a lot of sense for both parties. Pérez could be the steady driver with top-tier team knowledge to guide the team as they find their feet in F1. This would allow them to pursue a younger talent to drive alongside him and learn from the Mexican master. For Cadillac, Sergio brings huge sponsorship and a massive support base.
The only concern for Pérez would be spending the next few years racing at the back of the grid while Cadillac develops its car. However, Pérez is incredibly keen to return, so if nothing else materializes, he will likely put pen to paper.
He does face strong competition for that experienced role, with names like Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo available. While the Australian is unlikely to be considered, the flying Finn is desperate to return to racing. Pérez and Bottas would make a potent lineup!
Sergio seemed like damaged goods after Red Bull dropped him last year, but the struggles of the drivers who have taken over the seat since prove that it’s a car issue. It’s easy to forget what a great racer Pérez is — a tire whisperer and strategist. He deserves another chance on the grid.
It’s unlikely that Cadillac will rush their decision, as they know these experienced drivers don’t have many other options. But expect Pérez to be a done deal!
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