The Formula 1 world has been in a spin since the official announcement of Sergio “Checo” Pérez’s return to racing with Red Bull Racing, and the reaction from the team’s top brass, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko , has been simply explosive. Meanwhile, a secret meeting with Cadillac has sparked rumors about an unexpected change in the 2026 starting grid.
After months of speculation and internal tension, the Red Bull team confirmed this week that Checo Pérez will renew his contract for another season, guaranteeing his seat until the end of 2026. The decision surprised many within the paddock, considering the Mexican driver’s inconsistent performance during the 2024 season and rumors of replacements with young talents like Liam Lawson or even an unexpected return for Daniel Ricciardo.
But what really shook the paddock was the angry but strategic reaction of Horner and Marko after the leak of Checo’s negotiations with Cadillac , the American firm that is preparing its entry into F1 with the help of Andretti Global.
According to sources close to the team, the news of the secret meeting between Checo Pérez’s entourage and Cadillac executives did not go down well in Milton Keynes . Both Horner and Marko expressed surprise and, according to an insider, “felt betrayed” by the Mexican driver, especially given the fact that the conversations took place behind the team’s back and before the official contract renewal had been finalized.
During a press conference held in Imola, Helmut Marko was direct:
“At Red Bull, we value loyalty as much as talent. If someone wants to play with multiple decks, they’ll have to accept the consequences.”
For his part, Horner was more diplomatic, but hinted that Checo’s future is not completely assured if his performance does not improve.
“Checo has our support, but he needs to prove he can consistently match Max. Formula 1 is a business, and the driver market is volatile.”
Cadillac ‘s entry into F1 has been one of the most ambitious moves in the sport’s recent history. Despite the obstacles imposed by Liberty Media and the FIA, the Andretti-Cadillac project continues to gain momentum, aiming to join the grid in 2026, just in time for the new power unit regulations.
The secret meeting with Checo Pérez, supposedly held in Monaco during the last Grand Prix, would have revolved around offering him the role of lead driver of the new team, with a financial package higher than the current one and the attraction of being the Latin image of a global American brand .
The echoes of this leak are already having repercussions in other teams. Alpine, which is also looking to restructure its lineup, has resumed talks with Pierre Gasly. Meanwhile, Audi is reportedly considering Carlos Sainz as its project leader, closing the door on any approach with Pérez.
Fans have reacted strongly on social media. On Facebook, Checo Pérez’s fan groups are exploding with comments, a mixture of unconditional support and criticism of his apparent “double game.”
The Red Bull team is in a delicate moment. Although Max Verstappen continues to dominate the track, internal conflicts, media pressure, and leaks are weakening the team. The decision to renew Checo’s contract seems more political than sporting, perhaps to maintain stability in a year ahead of major changes.
However, the leak of information about Cadillac and the lack of control over the negotiations could force Red Bull to take more drastic measures if Checo doesn’t deliver consistent results in the upcoming races.
In a sport where every decision seems straight out of a Hollywood script, the return of Checo Pérez, the brutal reaction of Horner and Marko, and Cadillac’s secret role in this story, remind us why Formula 1 remains one of the most exciting shows on the planet .
Will Checo be the hero Red Bull needs or the protagonist of a new chapter of betrayal and redemption?
