In 2024, Sergio Pérez bid farewell to Formula 1, not by choice, but due to the premature termination of his contract with Red Bull. After a particularly disappointing season, especially when compared to his teammate Max Verstappen, the Austrian racing team felt compelled to let him go. Speculation is now rife about a possible comeback. Top sponsor Carlos Slim expects Pérez to be back on the grid by 2026; it’s just a matter of weighing options.
In 2025, for the first time since his debut in 2011, Sergio Pérez finds himself without a Formula 1 seat. In the summer of 2024, he was offered a new contract with Red Bull, but after a series of disappointing results, the collaboration was bought out. The team promoted Racing Bulls alumnus Liam Lawson, whose so-called stint, however, was short-lived; after just two races, he was sidelined in favor of Yuki Tsunoda. Meanwhile, Pérez is reportedly still keen on making a return to Formula 1.
Latin American Market
Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, who is also the main sponsor of Sergio Pérez, is convinced that the former Red Bull driver will secure a seat again by 2026. “I know he has several options,” Slim told Mexican media. “He has our support, and also the support of the fans.” In the Latin American market, Checo still enjoys great popularity – a factor that makes him attractive to Formula 1 teams. It is rumored that top sponsors like Slim have kept him afloat at Red Bull.
“He is working on his preparation, and hopefully, he will make that comeback,” Slim continued. “We would all be very pleased to see him back on the track, but he must make that decision himself.” According to Slim, it is not a question of whether Pérez will return to Formula 1, but mainly with which team. Contenders are Alpine and the new Cadillac. The latter seems to be the most obvious option for now. Pérez has the experience to help develop the team in its early years. Moreover, the American racing stable can serve the Latin American market by hiring Checo. The fans seem to be convinced already – during a Cadillac event in Miami, they gathered en masse to chant ‘sign Checo‘.
