Sergio Perez is being linked with a near-immediate return to the F1 grid, just two months after being let go by Red Bull in favour of Liam Lawson.
RacingNews365 understands the Mexican driver is currently in talks with the Cadillac F1 project, which hopes to join the paddock for the 2026 season.
The General Motors-run operation has still not officially been given the green light by F1 and the FIA, but with the situation progressing in the right direction, it is pressing ahead with its plans, including striking a deal with Ferrari to be supplied power units by the Maranello squad for two years.
As for its driver line-up, the American team is looking for experience. As such Max Verstappen's former team-mate seems to be an ideal candidate for Cadillac. Perez has won six grands prix and brings a wealth of experience from his 14-year stint in Formula 1.
It is believed that not long after Red Bull sidelined Perez, he had already made contact with the future American F1 team. That engagement makes it clear the 35-year-old has no plans to hang up his helmet just yet.
RacingNews365 previously reported that Perez was on Cadillac's driver shortlist, but it has now become evident the situation has progressed to the two parties holding discussions.
However, the team will first have to get final clarity on participation in 2026 from Formula One Management (FOM) and the FIA.
Whilst the organisations have not officially confirmed Cadillac's participation in 2026, it appears to be a formality at this stage.
Final confirmation has been a while in the making, after it became clear at the end of November 2024 that the process was moving in the right direction. That in itself was a remarkable shift from FOM, which had not initially been keen on expanding the grid to 11 teams for 2026.
The Cadillac F1 project is currently growing rapidly. The American team is said to have already hired more than 300 people and is in talks with several suppliers for parts. All this, despite the fact that the official 2026 entry document is still missing.
Although, because there is still no official confirmation of Cadillac's entry into Formula 1, it is not expected Perez and the GM-backed squad will reach an agreement in the near future.
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