The latest rumor swirling around the paddock involves Sergio "Checo" Perez, the seasoned Mexican driver, and Cadillac, the American automaker set to join the F1 grid as the sport’s 11th team in 2026. After a challenging exit from Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, Perez’s future in the sport seemed uncertain.
However, recent reports suggest that negotiations between Perez and Cadillac could pave the way for a sensational return, raising eyebrows and sparking excitement among fans and analysts alike.
The rumor take shape
Reports of negotiations between Perez and Cadillac first emerged in early 2025, gaining traction as multiple sources corroborated the story. FOX Sports Mexico reported that Perez has been in discussions with the team, with journalist Luis Manuel “Chacho” López noting, “In fact, there are already negotiations with Cadillac.
Checo will be thinking that he is going to have a very big economic offer, a technical base that can walk in the future, but in the [first] season he is going to start from zero.” Spanish outlet Marca echoed this sentiment, calling Cadillac a “good option” for Perez to achieve his “big goal” of returning to F1.
Further supporting the rumor, Jimmy Morales, director of Escuderia Telmex—one of Perez’s longtime sponsors—confirmed on the Formula de 2 podcast that initial talks with Cadillac had taken place. “We talked to everyone and started to see their plans and if they have any room for Checo,” Morales said. “The important thing is that he’s interested.” Perez’s father, Antonio, also hinted at a “historic” development, adding to the buzz surrounding his son’s potential comeback.
At first glance, Perez seems an ideal fit for Cadillac. With 14 seasons of F1 experience across teams like Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, and Red Bull, he brings a wealth of knowledge to a fledgling operation. His proven ability to adapt to different cars and provide valuable development feedback could be instrumental as Cadillac builds its technical foundation.
Moreover, Perez’s commercial appeal—bolstered by significant sponsorship from Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim and a massive fanbase in North America—aligns perfectly with Cadillac’s goal of establishing a foothold in key markets like the United States and Mexico.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has endorsed the idea, telling GPBlog, “If you’re Cadillac, you need somebody experienced. Checo has been in quite a few teams for a long time. He knows his way around. He could be a big help.” Steiner suggested a one-year contract to assess Perez’s fit, arguing it’s “a lot better than having old rookies in there.”