Is Perez heading for a second life in F1 - and why?

Cadillac hopes to make its Formula 1 debut in 2026. That very much still remains a hope, because Formula One Management (FOM) and the FIA have not yet given final agreement regarding its planned entry.

Although, it appears to be a formality at this stage, after the culmination of years-worth of work from the American F1 project.

The chances of Cadillac being refused are slim following F1's about-face around the time of last season's Las Vegas Grand Prix. Therefore, the American marque is continuing to build towards its likely F1 debut.

Speculation circulating within the paddock suggests the operation already employs more than 300 people, with several more believed to be added by the week.

The existing teams on the grid are said to be monitoring the situation with eagle eyes as personnel moves to Cadillac, despite the degree of uncertainty surrounding the General Motors-backed project.

In extension of this, the team is already on the hunt for its 2026 drivers and earlier this week it became clear talks were underway with Sergio Perez.

The six-time grand prix winner seems to be extremely motivated to immediately find a new home in the F1 paddock, having only recently been forced out of the Red Bull line up.

Whilst this does not initially appear to be a logical match, especially given most will taint Perez with some negative recency bias, focused mainly on his form from mid-2023 to the end of 2024.

That version of the Mexican driver struggled to adapt to the developing face of cars his team-mate, Max Verstappen, was able to carry to drivers' championship glory.

However, even the Dutchman found great difficulty in last year's car, the RB20. The four-time F1 drivers' champion repeated stated that the problems with Red Bull's package was playing a role in Perez's results.

Experience & Verstappen

It is abundantly clear that Perez, with over a decade of experience in F1, would bring a wealth of knowledge to Cadillac, a significant benefit to any fledgling operation.

Although the team is assembling a strong roster of personnel with team boss Graeme Lowdon, engineer Pat Symonds and chief operations officer Rob White, a driver with experience is often critical for success. Further boosting Perez's appeal is that as a free agent, he can be of service to the team as early as 2025.

Also, considering the prowess of the team the 35-year-old has recently departed, his insight into how to build and maintain a successful F1 team could be invaluable in establishing a solid foundation for 2026 and beyond.

Verstappen made it clear he still values Perez's abilities as a racing driver and, further still, he can be a central figure in Cadillac's commercial plans.

He will most likely bring in a number of sponsors himself, as he has done throughout his F1 career. And in Mexico, he also opens up a key market for General Motors - as well as Latin America at large.

Quality

Given Cadillac's size, it will primarily choose its drivers based on quality and experience. Although, commercial factors cannot be completely overlooked.

However, on all counts Perez appears to be an intriguing prospect for the team, as he is undoubtably one of the most interesting drivers available on the market at the moment.

Whilst he remains motivated, and he has not given any indication of wanting to give up racing, the 35-year-old must wait for Cadillac's plans to be formalised by FOM and the FIA. Only then can his potential F1 return be secured.

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