If you’re anywhere near the Formula 1 paddock chatter, the name “Sergio Perez” paired with “Cadillac 2026” has probably popped up in your feed more than once. So, did Checo really see that Cadillac seat coming? Well, spoiler alert: yes, he did, or at least, he played the long game until the perfect opportunity knocked.
After wrapping up his stint with Red Bull at the end of 2024, a season that wasn’t the smoothest ride for Perez, many fans were left wondering about his next move. Enter Cadillac, the proud newcomers backed by General Motors, who are making a loud entrance into F1 for 2026 as the sport’s 11th team.
Cadillac’s Hidden Gems: Sergio Perez And Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac’s play? Sign two seasoned warriors to anchor their new project, and that’s where Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas come into the spotlight. With over 500 career starts and a combined 16 Grand Prix wins between them, these two aren’t just here to fill seats; they’re here to build a legacy from scratch.
From what sources reveal, talks about Perez joining Cadillac started as early as December 2024, almost as soon as it was clear he was leaving Red Bull. It wasn’t just about finding any team; it was about joining a project that excites him, a blank canvas where he could pour in all his experience. And honestly, who wouldn’t be pumped about being the face of an American powerhouse making waves in F1 after decades?
Sergio Perez himself admitted that the decision to step away from Red Bull was tough. The Mexican driver, known for his grit on the track and charm off it, took some time off to reflect, recharge, and spend time with family. But the itch to race never really went away. The Cadillac project promised a fresh start, an exciting challenge, and the chance to help build something meaningful. These are things that resonate deeply with Checo’s racing spirit.
Beyond just racing, Sergio Perez is already hands-on with Cadillac’s F1 simulator, giving feedback, tweaking steering feel, and helping engineers fine-tune the car even before it hits the track. It’s a clear sign Perez isn’t just a driver but a pivotal figure in shaping Cadillac’s F1 future.
So, did Sergio Perez see the Cadillac 2026 seat coming? He didn’t just see it; he seized it, aligning his comeback perfectly with Cadillac’s bold launch. With the combo of experience, hunger, and a bit of strategic patience, Checo is back to stir the F1 pot in a whole new way.
Also read: Who Is Tyler Epp? Cadillac’s New “Visionary” Figure
