Sergio Perez is currently in discussions regarding a potential three-year contract with the Cadillac Formula 1 team, while also weighing other opportunities, as reported by Motorsport.com. The accomplished driver, known for his six Grand Prix victories, has not been part of the Formula 1 grid since departing from Red Bull Racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season. His last season was particularly challenging, where he finished a staggering 285 points behind his teammate, Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion.
After leaving Red Bull, Perez expressed his intention to take a minimum of six months to evaluate all available options. Among these options is Cadillac, which is gearing up for its inaugural season in Formula 1 in 2026. The American team is reportedly contending with at least two other teams interested in securing Perez’s signature, depending on how the driver market evolves.
If Cadillac were to sign Perez, they would be gaining a driver with an impressive record of 281 Grand Prix starts. Team principal Graeme Lowdon has previously indicated that having a driver with such extensive experience could prove invaluable for the team. In a statement made in March, Lowdon emphasized the importance of engaging with a variety of potential candidates, recognizing the wealth of talented drivers currently on the sidelines.
“Fortunately, there are many skilled drivers available, but our entry into the driver market was delayed until our participation was officially confirmed,” he noted. “We aim to communicate with several individuals. Yes, we see numerous talented drivers who are not currently racing. Our conversations will be extensive, and my phone has certainly kept me busy. The challenge we face as a new team is that the timeline for these discussions is not as straightforward as it typically is in driver negotiations.”
Despite the complexities, Lowdon is optimistic about the prospects of assembling a strong driver lineup. “There are easily half a dozen, if not more, candidates who bring exceptional credentials to the table for Formula 1 or for a return to the sport,” he added.
This news comes just ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, where Cadillac has planned a launch event in the vibrant city of Florida on Saturday evening. The event signals Cadillac’s commitment to making a significant impact in the world of Formula 1.
As for Perez, he is expected to make a decision about his future within this month. If he opts to join Cadillac, the identity of his teammate remains uncertain, as the team is exploring various possibilities. Given that Cadillac is an American brand, there has been speculation about the inclusion of a driver from the United States. However, when Lowdon was questioned about this possibility during the Bahrain Grand Prix in April, he was somewhat reserved, suggesting that an American driver may not be part of the lineup right from the start.
“We’ll select drivers based on merit,” he stated. “Having a driver with an American passport doesn’t preclude us from selecting someone based on their qualifications. We have a broad pool of candidates to consider.”
Lowdon also mentioned that evaluating the team’s performance shouldn’t solely rely on immediate results. “The team is established for the long haul. I believe fans would be thrilled to see an American driver in an American team. There’s nothing preventing that from occurring, but we must prioritize merit in our selections to build a competitive team. There are several highly experienced drivers currently available.”
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 not only represents a significant investment in motorsport but also reflects the growing interest in the sport within the United States. As the team prepares for its debut, the focus will be on building a robust foundation that can compete at the highest level.
The upcoming Miami Grand Prix presents an excellent opportunity for Cadillac to showcase its ambitions and vision for the future. With Perez potentially joining the team, his wealth of experience could be instrumental in guiding Cadillac through its formative years in Formula 1.
The driver market remains dynamic, with various teams and drivers in flux as they navigate contracts and negotiations. As Perez weighs his options, the landscape of Formula 1 is poised for change, with new teams and drivers reshaping the competition.
For fans and followers of Formula 1, the prospect of seeing Cadillac on the grid adds an exciting new chapter to the sport. The brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation aligns with the core values of Formula 1, making their entry a noteworthy development.
Cadillac’s focus on assembling a competitive team is evident in Lowdon’s remarks about the importance of merit in driver selection. As the team evaluates potential candidates, they are likely to consider not only the skills and experience of drivers but also their ability to adapt to the unique challenges of Formula 1.
In conclusion, as Sergio Perez navigates his future in Formula 1, the interest surrounding his potential move to Cadillac highlights the excitement and unpredictability of the sport. With Cadillac set to debut in 2026, the coming months will be crucial in determining the team’s direction and its competitive stance within the F1 landscape. Fans eagerly await news of Perez’s decision and the composition of Cadillac’s driver lineup, which will undoubtedly shape the team’s trajectory in the years to come.
