Sergio Perez Returns to Formula 1 with Cadillac in 2026

Sergio Perez will return to Formula 1 in 2026 as a driver for Cadillac F1 alongside Valtteri Bottas, marking a comeback after being dropped by Red Bull at the end of 2024 despite a contract extension and notable past successes. Perez emphasized that he has "nothing to prove," citing the struggles of his Red Bull replacements Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who together have scored only a handful of points this season, underscoring the difficulty of the Red Bull seat. He described his Red Bull tenure as a mentally challenging period requiring constant adaptation and confidence-building, and expressed a desire to enjoy his return to the sport he loves through this new project. Perez admitted that the break from racing in 2025 was necessary for mental recharge and to consider his future, and he hopes to contribute to Cadillac's development while achieving success. Cadillac, powered by Ferrari engines initially, will be F1's 11th team and the first new constructor in a decade, prepared for a challenging debut season with an experienced driver lineup. Perez’s return is framed as a fresh start to rekindle his passion for racing rather than to prove himself against his successors or past performance.