Carlos Sainz fully understands why the new Cadillac team has recruited Sergio Pérez for its debut season in 2026. Checo was let go by Red Bull last year and has since been observing Formula 1 from the sidelines. However, according to Sainz, Pérez deserves a ‘second chance’ in the premier class. He praises the Mexican driver – who has already won six Grand Prix in his career – for his talent and resilience.
Sergio Pérez will return to Formula 1 in 2026 with Cadillac, where he will form a brand new driver duo with former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. Both drivers lost their seats at the end of last year – Pérez at Red Bull and Bottas at Sauber – despite their experience and proven speed. While the Finn remained active as a test and reserve driver for Mercedes, Checo took a year off from Formula 1.
‘He Has Already Proven Himself’
In an interview with El Heraldo de Mexico, Sainz expressed his support for Cadillac’s decision to bring Pérez back. “I think Checo has already shown everyone how talented he is and how much strength he has, hasn’t he?” said the Spaniard. “As a driver and as an athlete, he has more than proven himself throughout his career.” The Williams driver finds it inspiring that Pérez will have the opportunity to prove himself again next year. “Now he is preparing for, I think, a second, different phase. But I think that’s very motivating and very encouraging for him.”
Sainz emphasized that a second chance in Formula 1 is rare, and only reserved for drivers who have truly proven themselves. “In the end, I think second chances in Formula 1 are given to few drivers, and to drivers who have really had a dual career, like Daniel Ricciardo and Checo,” he explained. He concluded with praise for Pérez’s perseverance: “In the end, for example, Nico Hülkenberg had his second chance. These are drivers who have really managed to stand out, and Checo is one of them.”
