Sergio Perez, who will race with the Cadillac F1 team from the 2026 season, has mostly found the kind of “environment” he was looking for in a team after parting ways with Red Bull Racing last year.
Cadillac F1 announced the signing of Perez and Valtteri Bottas yesterday, highlighting its preference for experienced drivers who could elevate it in its initial years in the premier class of motorsports.
Perez’s F1 journey began in 2011 with Sauber, before he moved to Force India/Racing Point in 2014 and raced with the team until 2020. He then moved to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, contributing to the team’s multiple world championship titles.
However, Red Bull’s RB20 was reportedly affected by balance problems, which added to Perez’s challenges and led to his departure from the team after the 2024 season. Staying away from F1 for many months, the Mexican driver spoke about the conditions for his return to the sport in June and the kind of team he preferred to race with. Newsweek Sports reported his comments:
Sergio Perez of Mexico and Red Bull Racing walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 25, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Sergio Perez of Mexico and Red Bull Racing walks in the paddock during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 25, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Kym Illman/Getty Images
“I do want to return, but only if the right project comes along, one where I feel I truly belong or should be. I don’t want to come back at any cost. I’m not interested in traveling around the world as a third driver or just waiting around for an opportunity.”
He added:
“If you look at my years with Force India, and then later with Red Bull – pushing the team forward race by race, and eventually becoming a winning team – that’s exactly the kind of environment I’m looking for.
“A team with that mentality, that unity. For me, that’s more important than any trophy or achievement: finding a project where the driver feels truly motivated.”
Perez revealed in a statement announcing his Cadillac F1 signing that he could sense “the passion and determination” behind the project, a point which likely aligns with his preferences. He said:
“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor to be part of a building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on.
“I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.”