The Formula 1 world was recently rocked by the news that Sergio “Checo” Pérez, the Mexican driver and former teammate of Max Verstappen, has signed a contract with Cadillac Escuderia for the 2026 season. Verstappen, the four-time world champion, officially confirmed this during a press conference after the Italian Grand Prix, ending months of speculation. Pérez, who left Red Bull Racing in 2024, will return to the Formula 1 grid after a year-long sabbatical with the new American team, which will debut in 2026. This news, reported by PlanetF1 and others, marks a significant step for both Pérez and Cadillac, which is aiming for a strong start in motorsport’s premier class.

Pérez, 35, spent four seasons at Red Bull alongside Verstappen, where he played a crucial role in winning two constructors’ titles and helping Verstappen secure his first world title in 2021. Despite his successes, including six Grand Prix victories, his time at Red Bull was overshadowed by the challenge of driving in Verstappen’s shadow. His departure at the end of 2024 came after a difficult season, but his reputation as a reliable and experienced driver remained intact. Verstappen praised his former teammate, calling him “the best teammate” he’s ever had, noting Pérez’s ability to score points and help teams develop, as he did at Force India and Racing Point. “Checo has always been strong. He knows how to push a team forward, especially a new team like Cadillac,” said Verstappen.

Cadillac, backed by General Motors, will enter Formula 1 in 2026 as the 11th team on the grid, a milestone since Haas’s arrival in 2016. The team, which will initially use Ferrari engines before switching to its own power units in 2028, needs an experienced driver to develop the car and score points in a competitive environment. Pérez, with 281 race starts and a proven record in the midfield, is a logical choice. His commercial value, especially in North and South America, where he has a huge fan base, also makes him attractive to Cadillac. Sources report that his sponsor, billionaire Carlos Slim, is playing a key role in the negotiations, giving the team additional financial leverage.

Verstappen, who never underestimated Pérez’s contribution to Red Bull, emphasized that the Mexican could play a key role in rebuilding Cadillac. “If you look at what he did at Force India and Racing Point, he always scored points, even with less competitive cars,” he said. He also highlighted the challenges of the Red Bull car, which, according to Pérez, was being developed in the wrong direction, a point later confirmed by the poorer performances of his successors Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. Verstappen’s support for Pérez “is not surprising; the two still maintain a good friendship, and Verstappen even exchanged a helmet with his former teammate as a token of appreciation.

Cadillac’s second driver remains unconfirmed, although Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish driver and current Mercedes reserve driver, is often mentioned as a contender. Rumors previously circulated that Bottas was preferred over Pérez, but recent reports suggest Cadillac has opted for Pérez’s experience and commercial appeal. Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, expressed skepticism about both Pérez and Bottas, stating that neither excels at developing a new car. Nevertheless, Cadillac appears to be banking on Pérez’s proven ability to stabilize teams and deliver results.

For Pérez, this move marks an opportunity for a comeback after a turbulent period. He previously emphasized that he would only return for a project that motivates him, and Cadillac’s ambitious entry seems to meet that requirement. His sabbatical gave him time to recharge, spend time with his family, and rekindle his passion for racing. For Verstappen, who may drive for Mercedes in 2026, Pérez’s return adds an extra dimension to their rivalry. Fans are eagerly awaiting how this experienced driver will help shape Cadillac and whether he can shine again in Formula 1.