Sergio Perez reveals conditions for F1 return as Cadillac interest confirmed

As the Cadillac Formula 1 team prepares to join the grid in 2026, former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has been rumoured to potentially return with the American team. 

After losing his seat with the Milton Keynes outfit at the end of 2024, 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti, who is on the board of directors at Cadillac F1, has confirmed that Perez is an option for the team. The former driver recently discussed the interest surrounding Perez:

“It’s an option. It could be an option. Of course. All I can say is that Liam Lawson is making Checo look very, very good.

“[Yuki] Tsunoda, you know, I think he probably deserved that seat more than Liam. But who am I?”

Perez has now opened up on his potential return to F1 during an interview with Formula1.com. He revealed that he would consider returning for a "project that motivates" him.

“If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it,” he said.

"That’s why I’ve given myself at least six months to get all my options on the table and make a decision on what I do next with my career.

Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Alastair Staley / Motorsport Images

“There are a few very interesting projects out there. I’ve been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. Right now, the season has started so a few things will open up in the coming months.

“We are talking to a few parties out there. Once I know all my options, I will make a decision. What is very clear to me is that I’m only coming back if the project makes sense, and it’s something I can enjoy.

“I’ve spent a long time in F1 already, I’ve done most of it. Once you step back, you realise how much you give up in life to be in the sport. So, to be in F1 fully committed, I need the motivation.”

He concluded:

“It’s good to be in this position knowing that people are keen on you as a driver. People have short memories in F1.

“Within a couple of races, they forget what you have done. People realise that my position was not the easiest one in F1 – and I’ve done extremely well overall.”