Sergio Pérez and Cadillac F1: A stellar return to Formula 1 in 2026
Formula 1 is about to witness a return that promises to shake the paddock. According to recent reports, the Mexican pilot Sergio “Czech” Pérez would have signed an agreement with Cadillac, the new American team that will debut in the highest category in 2026. The official announcement, which has the fans of motor racing at the edge of their seats, is scheduled to be held after the Hungary Grand Prix, which will take place from August 1 to 3, 2025 of the current season. This movement not only means the return of a grill experienced pilot, but also represents an exciting chapter for Cadillac, a team backed by General Motors and Andretti Global, which seeks to leave its mark on the competitive world of Formula 1.
The Autoevolution.com portal, a respected source in the automotive field, has reported that Pérez will be the Cadillac star pilot in his debut season. “It is understood that Pérez’s firm will be financially lucrative for both parties and it is reported that Mexican businessman Carlos Slim is involved in the agreement,” said Ed Spencer, a journalist of Autoevolution.com. This economic support, led by a figure as influential as Slim, not only guarantees financial solidity to the project, but also reinforces Pérez’s connection with the Latin market, a key factor for the expansion of Cadillac in Formula 1.
Sergio Pérez’s trajectory in Formula 1 makes it a logical choice to lead this ambitious project. With 281 large awards played, six victories and a runner -up in 2023 with Red Bull Racing, the Tapatío pilot contributes an invaluable experience. Its ability to develop monoplays and their consistency on the track have been praised by outstanding automobile figures. Graeme Lowdon, head of the Cadillac team, did not spare in compliments: “It is a pleasure to have a pilot like Sergio Pérez, who has managed to be runner -up of the world of Formula 1 in 2023 and has been competing with a team as pointer as Red Bull. His experience, competitiveness and speed will be of great help for us.” These words reflect the confidence that Cadillac has in Pérez to lead his foray into the highest category.
Pérez’s path to Cadillac has not been exempt from speculation. After his departure from Red Bull Racing in December 2024, due to a season marked by up project that will motivate it fully. “If I want, if the project comes where I feel that I have to be or what should I be, I do not want to be traveling all over the world as a third pilot or waiting for an opportunity,” Pérez said in the podcast from the Paddock. Cadillac, with his vision of building a competitive team from scratch, seems to be that project that has captured his interest.
In addition to Cadillac, other teams such as Alpine showed interest in the Mexican in recent months. However, according to Autoevolution.com, speculations about a possible signing for the Anglo-French team were more a strategy to maintain Pérez’s name in the headlines than a specific negotiation. The decision to join Cadillac, a team that will debut with Ferrari engines in 2026 before developing its own power unit by 2028, reflects Pérez’s ambition for being part of an innovative project. The support of Carlos Slim, whose influence has been key in the pilot’s career through Telmex Escudería, adds a strategic component to the agreement, ensuring financial resources and a solid connection with the Latin American market.
The Hungary Grand Prix, scheduled for August 2025, will be the perfect scenario for Pérez’s official announcement with Cadillac. This event marks the beginning of the summer recess of Formula 1, an ideal time for the teams to present their plans for the future. According to the German Motor Und Sport media, the choice of this date is not accidental, since Cadillac will take advantage of the media care of the race to position Pérez as the team’s face. The expectation is high, especially among Mexican fans, who have closely followed each step of Pérez since their debut with Sauber in 2011. His history, which includes memorable podiums such as victory in the Monaco 2022 Grand Prix, has consolidated their status as one of the most beloved pilots of the grid.
While Pérez seems secured as the main pilot, the unknown now falls on who his teammate will be in 2026. The names of Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher have emerged as the strongest candidates. Bottas, with 246 great awards and 67 podiums in his career, offers experience and stability, while Schumacher, son of the legendary Michael Schumacher, brings youth and a potential still to exploit. Mick, who has competed in the World Resistance Championship with Alpine, recently confirmed to be in conversations with Cadillac, qualifying advances as “very positive.” The final decision will be crucial, since Cadillac seeks an alignment that combines experience with future projection, especially in a context where the new 2026 technical regulation promises to revolutionize the category.
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, backed by General Motors and managed by TWG Motorsports, has generated enthusiasm in the paddock. The team, which officially presented its project at the Miami Grand Prix in May 2025, has exceeded a complex process to obtain the approval of the FIA and Formula 1. The collaboration with Andretti Global and the initial use of Ferrari engines position the equipment as a serious contender from its debut. Pérez’s choice as a star pilot not only reinforces this ambition, but also sends a clear message: Cadillac is here to compete and leave a lasting mark.
The return of Sergio Pérez to Formula 1 with Cadillac is not only a history of personal redemption, but also a reflection of the growing interest of US brands in the category. With the support of Carlos Slim and Pérez’s experience, Cadillac has the ingredients to build a competitive team. Fans, especially in Mexico, look forward to the official announcement after the Hungary Grand Prix, a moment that could mark the beginning of a new era for Latin American motoring. Meanwhile, Paddock continues to speculate: who will accompany Czech in this adventure? Can Cadillac surprise in your debut season? The truth is that, with Pérez at the wheel, expectations are in the clouds.
