Cadillac F1 set to confirm veteran driver for 2026, per report

In recent weeks, rumors around the Formula 1 paddock held that Sergio Pérez would be joining the 2026 grid with the incoming Cadillac team.

Now, one outlet is reporting that the deal is done, with an announcement to come next month at the Italian Grand Prix.

According to PlanetF1, “[m]ultiple sources” have informed the outlet that a deal has been reached between Pérez and the team, which would see the Mexican driver return to the grid after one season on the sidelines. Despite his departure from Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, Pérez immediately became one of the favorites for a seat at Cadillac, particularly as the new team looked to value experience while filling out roles.

“Do we value experience? Yes, you can see that from how we’re putting the rest of the team together – there’s a lot of very experienced people within the management and operational side of the team as well,” said incoming Team Principal Graeme Lowdon back in March.

Pérez has 281 F1 starts on his driving resume, covering his time with several teams, including Force India, Racing Point, and Red Bull. He broke through with his maiden win at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and was part of a Red Bull team that won Constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023.

If this report is confirmed, attention will then turn to the second seat at Cadillac. Valtteri Bottas, another veteran, has been linked with a spot at the new team, and Cadillac could opt for a pair of veterans to deliver immediate results.

However, there are also reports that the team could look to a younger driver alongside a veteran, which would open the door for names such as Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich and current Formula 2 drivers Jak Crawford and Alex Dunne.