Sergio Pérez is set to make a comeback in 2026 with the new Cadillac team, as announced by the American outfit on Tuesday. Pérez, also known as Checo, will be joined by fellow Formula 1 veteran Valtteri Bottas, who is moving from his reserve role at Mercedes. Pérez posted an emotional video on social media, addressing his large fan base that continues to support him: “We are back,” said the 35-year-old Mexican.
“Do you remember when I said we would see each other again?” Sergio Pérez wrote on his Instagram page on Tuesday. Accompanying the post was an emotional video in which he thanked his supporters for their unwavering support. “This is not just about me,” Pérez’s voice can be heard saying. “I have raced with my family. With my friends. And at every turn, you have cheered me on.”
Sharing the Same Dream
“I raced with the hopes of millions of people who shared the same dream,” Pérez continued. “I am eternally grateful to you for all the support. That’s why I say today: ‘I am not the only one who is back.’ The cheers of an entire country are back. The power of an entire continent. Millions of hearts. This is a new chapter. We are back.”
Pérez has always been popular with his home fans in Mexico, but also enjoys support from other South American countries. The shock was all the greater when his contract with Red Bull was terminated last year. Checo performed so disappointingly that the collaboration was bought out. Of the 589 World Championship points the team collected in 2024, only 152 were credited to the Mexican. The team promoted Racing Bulls alumnus Liam Lawson, whose so-called stint, however, was short-lived; after just two races, he was already sidelined in favor of Yuki Tsunoda.
See Pérez’s full reaction below:
