As the Cadillac Formula 1 team prepares for its highly anticipated public debut at the Miami Grand Prix, speculation surrounding Sergio Perez’s potential return to the grid is on the rise. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Perez would be a fitting choice for the American racing team.
Despite reports circulating in Germany, sources indicate that a deal between Perez and Cadillac is not finalized. The team, set to join the Formula 1 circuit in 2026, is still exploring multiple options for its driver lineup. With Cadillac’s preparations for its inaugural season actively underway, it seems prudent for the new team to solidify its driver selections by the summer, as it intensifies efforts to develop its 2026 car at its expanding facility in Silverstone.
### Evaluating Sergio Perez for Cadillac
During a recent conversation at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Graeme Lowdon, head of the Cadillac team, acknowledged that his squad is currently out of sync with the rest of the Formula 1 paddock. When Cadillac and its parent company, General Motors, received formal approval to proceed with their F1 plans during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend in November, most of the seats for 2026 had already been filled. Many teams were prioritizing stability between their 2025 and 2026 driver lineups to ensure a smoother transition to the new technical regulations.
However, the presence of several rookies on the current grid means there are experienced drivers available who could significantly benefit any new team. Sergio Perez, a former Red Bull driver, has been a top contender on Cadillac’s shortlist for potential signings, and it’s easy to see why.
At 35 years old and with 281 Grand Prix starts under his belt, Perez possesses a wealth of knowledge that could be invaluable to Lowdon’s operation. Although his exit from Red Bull was less than graceful, he is not unique in having faced difficulties while racing alongside Max Verstappen. One challenging phase does not diminish his impressive career, which includes six race wins, one of which he secured with Racing Point.
From a commercial perspective, Perez is also an appealing candidate. His association with Carlos Slim, a prominent Mexican telecommunications billionaire, could bring substantial backing to the team. Furthermore, having a high-profile Mexican driver would enhance the visibility of the Mexico City Grand Prix, which has recently announced a three-year contract extension, irrespective of Perez’s future in Formula 1. This connection would be beneficial for both Cadillac and General Motors as they aim to strengthen their brand presence in North America.
### The Appeal of a Cadillac F1 Return for Perez
While Perez faced challenges during the latter part of his time with Red Bull, it’s important to remember that drivers retain their skills irrespective of past struggles. Since stepping back from the competitive scene, Perez has had time to recharge and reassess his career. But would a return to Cadillac be the right move for him?
Earlier this year, Perez shared his thoughts on the matter, stating, “Once you step back, you realize how much you give up in life to be in the sport. To be fully committed to F1, I need the motivation.” He emphasized the importance of finding a project that genuinely excites him and where he feels valued for his experience and contributions. For Perez, being seen as a crucial element of the team rather than just a placeholder until a more attractive prospect emerges is vital.
Cadillac could indeed offer such an environment, but Perez must weigh the uncertainties of how prepared the new team will be in its debut season. Establishing a new team from scratch is no small feat, and it’s realistic to expect that they may struggle in the early years. Would that be the kind of situation Perez is willing to enter, especially considering the demanding nature of a 24-race season? Ultimately, this is a personal decision that only Perez can make. Meanwhile, there are other options from more established teams that might involve less risk.
### Alternative Options for Cadillac’s Driver Lineup
Sergio Perez is not the only experienced driver being considered for Cadillac’s lineup. Valtteri Bottas, currently a reserve driver for Mercedes, has expressed his desire to return to the grid in 2026 and has shown interest in being part of Cadillac’s ambitious project. Bottas, like Perez, boasts a commendable record with 246 race starts and 10 victories. While he may not bring the same level of commercial appeal as Perez, Bottas is highly regarded within the paddock for his technical acumen.
In addition to seasoned drivers, Cadillac’s F1 team, which operates under the Andretti Global umbrella, is also exploring opportunities to include an American driver in its lineup. Colton Herta, a prominent IndyCar racer, has been suggested as a potential candidate, alongside Jak Crawford, a junior driver with Aston Martin currently competing in Formula 2. While the notion of pairing an American rookie with an experienced international driver has been floated, Lowdon has hinted that the team might not strictly adhere to this plan in its inaugural year.
“We’ll select drivers based on merit,” he shared with Motorsport.com. “Having a driver with merit doesn’t exclude the possibility of them holding an American passport. However, we cannot judge our team solely on this year’s or next year’s performance. We are committed for the long haul.”
Lowdon’s comments suggest that while there may be a desire to feature an American driver, the priority will be on selecting the most qualified candidates. If Cadillac believes that assembling a team of two respected veterans is in its best interest to establish itself firmly, it may very well consider signing both Perez and Bottas as it navigates the complexities of entering the F1 landscape.
As Cadillac continues to lay the groundwork for its Formula 1 debut, the decisions it makes regarding its driver lineup will be crucial in shaping its future in the sport. With experienced drivers like Perez and Bottas in the mix, alongside potential American talents, the team has a unique opportunity to carve out its identity on the global stage.
