Sergio Pérez nears Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac team

In April 2025, Sergio Pérez, a 35-year-old Mexican driver, is reported to be in advanced talks for a potential return to the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac, a new American team. After leaving Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2024 season, where performance issues contributed to the team's struggles, Pérez's future was uncertain. He had originally signed a two-year contract with Red Bull in June 2024 but parted ways with the organization mutually. Cadillac is exploring driver options as they prepare to debut in the sport in 2026. Pérez's last season with Red Bull was challenging, marked by an inability to secure any wins, which represented a significant step back compared to his performance in 2023, where he finished as a runner-up to teammate Max Verstappen. His demotion sparked discussions regarding the difficulties in driving for the team, which he sympathized with, as the complications he faced with the car echoed the challenges that his replacement, Liam Lawson, encountered shortly after taking over. Lawson was released just two races into the 2025 season due to his struggles. As Cadillac's arrival in Formula 1 approaches in 2026, the driver lineup remains crucial for establishing their competitiveness in the new competitive landscape, which will also see Audi taking over the Sauber team and Honda partnering with Aston Martin. Pérez has mentioned in conversations with various teams that he has received interest for a return and is weighing his options carefully to ensure that he joins a project he is passionate about. His aim is to return only if the project makes sense for both him and the future of the team. This current climate among teams is a notable reflection of the ongoing shifts and strategic realignments in Formula 1 as they gear up for a new era. As teams plan their rosters, the implications for drivers like Pérez highlight the competitive nature of securing seats and the constant monitoring of talent by teams entering or re-entering the sport. Given the backdrop of his recent struggles, Pérez appears motivated to make a meaningful comeback into the sport he has been part of for many years.