Sergio Perez backed for F1 return as rookie looks to build Max Verstappen relationship

Isack Hadjar has no doubt "there is a spot" on the F1 grid next season for Sergio Perez.

Perez has been out of motorsport since being released by Red Bull at the end of last season after four years with the team, helping it to win constructors' championships in 2022 and 2023.

The Mexican driver is currently being heavily linked with the vacant seats at Cadillac, which enters F1 next season as the 11th team on the grid.

The anticipated driver line-up is Perez alongside another F1 veteran, and current Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas, whilst Ferrari reserve Zhou Guanyu, formerly with Alfa Romeo/Stake, is also being linked.

Racing Bulls rookie Hadjar does not doubt that Perez, in particular, is "F1 calibre", adding: "I hear a lot of positives [about a return] for him next year, so it's looking like something is going on.

"There is a spot there [in F1] for Checo, [someone] who has done pretty well next to Max [Verstappen]."

Hadjar 'curious' about Red Bull

Since Perez's departure, the second seat at Red Bull alongside Verstappen has proven troublesome. Perez struggled throughout last season with the RB20, and its successor, the RB21, has proven as difficult to handle for Liam Lawson and then Yuki Tsunoda.

Hadjar, though, makes no bones about the fact he still wants to move to Red Bull at some stage.

"When I signed the contract with Red Bull four years ago, the goal was to get to Red Bull," said the former junior driver who has enjoyed a solid debut campaign with Racing Bulls to date. "That hasn't changed.

"It's definitely interesting. I'd love to, out of curiosity, go and have a look [at Red Bull] for myself.

"At the moment, it's not like I'm in total control. I'm scoring points, but there's still lots to learn. So it makes more sense to stay where I am."

One area where Hadjar does want to improve is his relationship with four-time F1 champion Verstappen, who he says he has so far seen "rarely" since his arrival in F1 at the start of the year.

"We catch up briefly during a race weekend, and he's very nice, but it's not obviously a very super strong relationship," remarked Hadjar.

"If I have questions, I ask them. It's always useful. We will try to get to know each other more and have a fun chat."