Former Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez has not ruled out a potential return to the premier class. After his contract with Red Bull was terminated last year, the six-time race winner has not competed in any Grand Prix. Recently, he admitted that several parties are open to offering him a contract. Cadillac’s top advisor, Mario Andretti, later confirmed that Pérez is a serious option to strengthen the team from 2026 onwards.
Andretti, who plays a key role in preparing for Cadillac’s entry, believes Pérez’s experience could be a significant factor during the debut season. “He (Pérez) is an option,” Andretti told the Spanish branch of ESPN. “He could absolutely be a good first driver.” When asked, the former champion could not provide details about Cadillac’s future line-up. “I wish I could tell more, but we are deliberately keeping this a secret,” he explained. “We don’t want to give people false hope.”
‘The choice is limited’
Cadillac has previously indicated that it is looking for an experienced driver for at least one of its seats, as well as an American driver to represent the team. In the first category, there are ‘not many options’, Andretti admitted. “The second driver, the second seat – that will definitely go to an available experienced driver,” he explained. “And we all know that the choice in that respect is quite limited. Realistically, there are maybe three drivers to choose from. And I’m not going to tell you which ones.”
“We think about it a lot, and I don’t have the final say, but I will have some influence,” Andretti concluded. Several experienced drivers are eligible for a contract with Cadillac, including Pérez. Additionally, Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas has the right credentials for a comeback, as does Daniel Ricciardo. The latter enjoys great popularity in the United States and is therefore also an interesting choice for marketing purposes.”
