Max Verstappen was the first to congratulate Sergio Pérez on his return to Formula 1, the Mexican driver revealed following the official announcement that he will be joining the new Cadillac team in 2026.
Pérez, who had to leave Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024 and remained without a seat this season, will make his comeback in the premier class of motorsport next year. The six-time Grand Prix winner will form a driving duo with Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac.
Despite occasional tensions in his collaboration with Verstappen at Red Bull, Pérez emphasized that it was the Dutchman who responded first. “I was surprised by the number of messages I received, but Max was the first to reach out,” said the 34-year-old driver. “In addition, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto also sent a message. It was nice to see that many colleagues are happy about my return.”
For Verstappen, the comeback of his former teammate means a renewed acquaintance on the grid, after the two achieved successes together at Red Bull Racing between 2021 and 2024.
