Will Sergio Perez accept a hypothetical offer from the Cadillac F1 team to return to the starting grid next year? It’s hard to imagine it for a driver who fought for podiums and victories for several seasons with Red Bull Racing. Especially since the Austrian firm offers him a golden bridge to retirement, with a nice sum of money and a role close to that of a VIP ambassador.
Sergio Perez and F1: stop or still?
So why return to a team that might not be able to score points in its first season and without any prospect of victories or even podiums in the short term? Everything will depend on the offer in question and the future projections, after F1, offered to Cadillac. Because the Mexican knows that his best years are behind him. So much so that he must also consider retirement.
But during an intervention at the Feria de Leon event in Mexico, Sergio Perez somewhat sowed doubt while, until now, his desire to return in 2026 seemed strong.
« In the next six months, I will make a decision on the rest of my career. I’m totally happy, and I’ll come back to Formula 1 if that’s what makes me happiest. The important thing is that I never gave up. Every time something difficult happened in my career, better things happened and that’s because I never gave up. I’m very excited about what’s going to happen this year and I’m very calm and very happy. I really love my children, my family, my friends. I’m finally going to travel, because during these years I have traveled all over the world, but without knowing it“, said Sergio Perez.
So, Max Verstappen’s former teammate will give himself some time. Probably in order to assess how much he would miss his life as an F1 driver if he retired permanently. Furthermore, Sergio Perez will also observe the evolution of the transfer market during the season. Because, with 5 rookies and a total of six very young drivers, it is a safe bet that there will be disappointments. And perhaps even early evictions. Which means that “Checo” could get a seat during the year, just to bounce back in 2026.
In addition, movements may occur in the top teams and in particular, at Red Bull Racing. Something that could lead to a game of musical chairs. Because, if returning to Cadillac may seem risky for Perez (unless he wants to come back at all costs…), the prospect of driving a single-seater capable of playing in the top ten, or even more, will interest him probably.
-Although, with the introduction of new regulations next year, the 2025 forces may not be the same next season. Thus, Sergio will have to read as wisely as possible into the teams’ performances this season in order to make realistic projections for 2026.
But the person concerned must still really want to continue. Knowing that after coming very close to the exit door with Racing Point (2020), just after his first victory in F1, the Mexican had the chance to bounce back in a completely unexpected way at Red Bull Racing. Team with which he won numerous podiums (39 in total, all teams combined) but also victories (five with Red Bull) and a few poles (3). Not to mention his status as Formula 1 world vice-champion, acquired in 2023, behind the best driver of the moment. Enough to leave without regrets…
Cadillac: what fallback options?
And on the Cadillac side, although Daniel Ricciardo declined the offer, there remain very viable options like Valtteri Bottas and Kevin Magnussen. Pilots whose experience could be beneficial. And until then, other drivers will probably be added to the list, depending on the movements that will be observed between now and the end of the current year, in F1.
Sergio Perez’s podiums, victories and poles in F1
- 2012 (Sauber) : 3 podiums
- 2014 (Force India) : 1 podium
- 2015 (Force India) : 1 podium
- 2016 (Force India) : 3 podiums
- 2018 (Force India) : 1 podium
- 2020 (Racing Point) : 2 podiums, 1 victoire
- 2021 (Red Bull) : 5 podiums, 1 victoire
- 2022 (Red Bull): 11 podiums, 2 victories, 1 pole position
- 2023 (Red Bull): 9 podiums, 2 victories, 2 pole positions
- 2024 (Red Bull) : 4 podiums
Best ranking in the World Drivers’ Championship: 2nd in 2023 and also 3rd in 2022.
Article published on 01/18/2025 at 6:45 a.m.
