Sergio Pérez is set to return to Formula 1 in 2026 with the newly formed Cadillac team, as announced by the American outfit on Tuesday. For Checo, this represents a unique opportunity to redeem himself following his disappointing final season with Red Bull. The 35-year-old Mexican was in a painful form crisis at the time. However, Pérez does not feel he has anything to prove – his successors have already demonstrated how challenging the second Red Bull seat is.
This week, Sergio Pérez and fellow Formula 1 veteran Valtteri Bottas were introduced as Cadillac’s drivers for 2026. Both had been on the sidelines for a season, but now they have the opportunity to use their experience and knowledge to put the American racing team on the map. Pérez initially had a two-year contract with Red Bull, but after an extremely disappointing season, the partnership was bought out in favor of Liam Lawson. The latter raced two Grands Prix for Red Bull this year before being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who is also struggling with the second seat.
Given the performances of his Red Bull successors, Pérez believes he has ‘nothing more to prove’. “Not just because of the current drivers or those who inherited my seat, but even before that,” he said at a Cadillac event. “Everyone has already forgotten, but it’s just an incredibly difficult situation to be in. You have to constantly adapt and build mental confidence. It’s a unique challenge. But when you see how many points they (Lawson and Tsunoda, ed.) have scored, I don’t think I have anything to prove. It’s something like five in the whole season.” In reality, Lawson and Tsunoda have collectively gathered seven points.
Embracing the Opportunity
Pérez is eager to relish his new opportunity in Formula 1. “For me, this comeback is all about enjoyment,” he continued. “I want to relish the sport that I love so much, the sport that has given me so much. I couldn’t afford to leave the grid in that manner,” he referred to his dismissal from Max Verstappen. “That’s why I’m returning with this new project. Of course, I hope it will be a success, but above all, I just want to enjoy.”
Over the past year, the Mexican driver has had the chance to reassess his career and make a considered choice for the future. “I needed this time, especially since I only knew towards the end of the year that I would be leaving Red Bull,” Pérez explained. “I was able to detach from the sport and think about where I really wanted to take my career. At first, it wasn’t so clear, but the more I spoke with Cadillac, the clearer it became that this was reigniting my enthusiasm. This is not just a team fighting for podiums, races, and points – this is a whole project. That changes the dynamics, I think.”
