Sergio “Checo” Pérez, the highly skilled and popular Mexican Formula 1 driver, is once again generating significant buzz within the racing world. Currently without a seat, Pérez has recently garnered considerable praise, fueling speculation about a potential return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
This renewed interest stems from positive comments made by none other than Mario Andretti, a Formula 1 legend and advisor to the newly formed Cadillac Racing team, set to debut in 2026. In a recent interview with Fox Sports, Andretti indicated that Cadillac is actively searching for an experienced driver, a role that Pérez perfectly fits.
Andretti’s comments were quite revealing. He stated that the pool of potential candidates is relatively small, and when discussing Pérez, he explicitly said that the Mexican driver “fits very well.” This suggests a strong consideration of Pérez’s talent and experience within the Cadillac team.
Cadillac’s Formula 1 venture is ambitious, backed by General Motors and with crucial technical support from Ferrari for the initial years. Their aim is to establish a competitive lineup from the very beginning, and securing a seasoned driver like Pérez would undoubtedly be a significant step towards that goal.
While the team initially expressed a preference for at least one American driver, Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Lowdon, has made it clear that talent will be the primary criterion for driver selection. Andretti echoed this sentiment, while also acknowledging his personal desire to see an American driver on the team.
Pérez, boasting over 250 Grand Prix starts and numerous podium finishes, brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and proven ability to perform under pressure. His potential addition to Cadillac would represent a high-impact move, both from a media perspective and in terms of on-track performance. Cadillac’s operational headquarters will be based in Silverstone, England, with additional facilities in Indianapolis and Charlotte. They plan to utilize Ferrari engines for their initial years, with aspirations to develop their own power unit by 2029.
The situation remains fluid, with Andretti carefully avoiding definitive statements about Pérez’s potential signing. However, the positive comments and the team’s stated need for experience strongly suggest that Checo Pérez is a serious contender for a seat in the highly anticipated Cadillac Formula 1 team. Only time will tell if this speculation leads to a triumphant return for the beloved Mexican driver.
