What can Sergio Perez offer Cadillac as he prepares for a return to Formula 1? An ex-team principal explains why the Mexican driver could be the right choice.
Sergio Perez appears to be one of the leading candidates, alongside Valtteri Bottas, for a seat at Cadillac during the American team’s debut season in Formula 1 in 2026. According to his former team principal at Racing Point, Otmar Szafnauer, the Mexican driver still has a lot to contribute in the pinnacle of motorsport, provided he is placed in the right environment.
According to various sources, Perez is reportedly ready to sign with Cadillac, having already reached a preliminary agreement with the team, although the contract has not yet been officially announced. The official confirmation could come soon, possibly during the week of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Perez is expected to be paired with another experienced driver currently outside the F1 grid, Valtteri Bottas.
The value of Perez’s experience
Perez’s extensive experience with midfield teams could prove invaluable for Cadillac, which is aiming to establish itself on the grid as a debutant team. After a mixed and occasionally disappointing period at Red Bull, the Mexican driver may find himself in a team with more moderate initial expectations, where he has historically demonstrated remarkable consistency. In particular, during his time at Force India, which later became Racing Point under Szafnauer’s management, Perez earned the opportunity—but ultimately did not secure the chance—to drive for a top-tier team.
Szafnauer praises Perez
His former team principal has spoken highly of him: “If he finds the right environment, with all the experience he has gained both in resource-limited teams and at Red Bull, and with his exceptional feedback skills, he undoubtedly has a lot to offer. Especially for a new team that needs an experienced driver during its first two years, Checo would be an excellent addition.”
Szafnauer also reflected on the downward trajectory of his former driver during his Red Bull tenure. “I was surprised,” he said. “When I worked with Checo, I remember him telling me, ‘I will beat Hulkenberg.’ I thought it would be fantastic because Nico Hulkenberg was extremely fast at the time, and he still is today.”
“It took two years, but in the end Sergio did beat him [in 2016]. It was a very close fight. What impressed me was that he achieved it through his hard work, focus, and mental resilience. That’s why I was surprised that he didn’t have the same kind of finish during his time at Red Bull.”
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