Sergio Perez in talks to join Cadillac for 2026 Formula 1 debut as team prepares bold entry

Formula 1 veteran Sergio Perez is reportedly going to make a comeback to the grid in 2026 with Cadillac Racing, as the American car giant readies its highly anticipated debut in the sport. This collaboration will provide the veteran Mexican racer a new challenge after separating from Red Bull Racing. Cadillac will debut its F1 activity as a client team using Ferrari engines before growing into a full works team from General Motors starting in 2029.
Cadillac Racing made its first big step towards its 2026 Formula 1 debut by committing Sergio Perez as the team's top driver for its first year, according to a report from German publication Bild. The move marks Cadillac's intention to compete in the sport not as token entrants but as serious competitors, supported by a strategic plan that involves Ferrari engines in the early years and a switch to General Motors motors in the second half of the decade.
With Sergio Perez added, there is also much experience within the new organisation. With 285 Grand Prix appearances—number eight all time—Sergio Perez gives Cadillac that technical knowledge and racing experience present only with an old-hand racer. His reputation for scoring podiums in mid-field cars while with Sauber and Force India (now known as Aston Martin) makes Sergio Perez an excellent signing for a starting-from-scratch operation.
This update is followed by Sergio Perez's exit from Red Bull Racing, in which he was paid off for the rest of 2024. Despite having a contract for 2025, Red Bull's team leadership, led by Christian Horner, decided to make a change after Perez's unreliability. Ironically, his replacement, Liam Lawson, also failed to find form, reaffirming the view that Red Bull's second seat is still a poisoned chalice—something that might have even increased Perez's worth in the eyes of Cadillac.
The Cadillac venture is being spearheaded by Graeme Lowdon, with former Renault technical director Nick Chester and ex-FIA head Pat Symonds contributing their know-how.
Also read: Sergio Pérez net worth 2025: Current salary, endorsement, career and everything you need to know
The choice of Cadillac will most probably be based on a blend of performance prospects and marketing appeal. When the 2026 season comes round, everyone's eyes will be on Cadillac Racing to observe whether it can drive its ambitious statements onto the racetrack.