Sergio Perez in Negotiations with Cadillac F1 for Potential 2026 Drive
Sergio Perez is currently negotiating a three-year contract with the Cadillac Formula 1 team, as confirmed by sources at Motorsport.com. The Mexican driver, a six-time Grand Prix winner, has been without an F1 seat since departing Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season, where he finished 285 points behind teammate and reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Perez expressed his intention to evaluate all opportunities over the next six months, with Cadillac’s interest aligning with its planned F1 debut in 2026. However, the team faces competition from at least two other squads for his signature, contingent upon various driver movements in the upcoming months.
With 281 Grand Prix starts, Perez brings significant experience, a quality emphasized by Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon: “It’s important for us to talk to a number of potential candidates. We see talented drivers currently not on the grid." Lowdon reiterated the challenges posed by their newcomer status: “The timeline isn’t as laid out as it normally is in driver negotiations.”
Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, where Cadillac will hold a launch party, Lowdon noted that the team is considering multiple options for Perez’s prospective teammate. Although there are whispers of selecting an American driver, Lowdon cautioned that driver selection will be merit-based. “Having a driver on merit doesn’t mean you can’t have an American passport as well. We’ve got a lot to choose from.”
Lowdon expects a strong lineup despite the team’s current out-of-sync position in negotiations. He concluded, “There are a few very experienced drivers available at the minute.”
A decision from Perez is anticipated this month, which will significantly shape Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1.
