Everything seems to be aligning for the highly anticipated return of Sergio “Checo” Pérez to Formula 1. After ending his stint with Red Bull in December 2024, many believed the Mexican driver was heading toward retirement. However, new reports suggest he will be back on the grid in 2026, this time with the Cadillac team.

Will Checo Perez return to F1 with Cadillac?

According to information published by a report from the specialized portal autoevolution.com, Checo has reached an agreement with Cadillac to become its main driver as of the 2026 season. This team will make its debut that same year in the top category.

The news, which has generated great enthusiasm among fans, the autoevolution.com portal mentions that the agreement has already been signed. It also states that Carlos Slim played a key role in the negotiation.

Who Is Behind Checo Return to F1?

According to autoevolution.com, Mexican businessman Carlos Slim played a key role in facilitating talks between Pérez and Cadillac, helping both sides reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Slim has supported Checo throughout various stages of his career, making his involvement a natural development.

When Will Checo Be Officially Presented?

Pérez official unveiling with Cadillac is expected to take place after the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, scheduled for August 1–3. That race weekend is reportedly the chosen window for the big announcement.

Why Did Checo Pérez Leave Red Bull?

Checo left Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season due to a combination of factors. Despite a strong start with four podiums in the first five races his performance declined significantly after the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. He failed to finish in the top six in the final 18 races of the year.

This decline, coupled with the RB20’s difficult handling, hurt the team’s performance, resulting in a third-place finish in the Constructors' Championship. Although Pérez was under contract through 2026, Red Bull opted to terminate the deal early and promoted Liam Lawson as his replacement. The decision was also influenced by media pressure, the departure of key figures like Adrian Newey, and the persistent challenges associated with Red Bull’s second seat alongside Max Verstappen.

When Did Checo Officially Leave F1?

Checo Pérez officially departed Red Bull and Formula 1 on December 18, 2024, after announcing the end of his professional relationship with the Austrian team. As a result, the 2025 season marked the first time since 2011 that he was absent from the F1 grid. However, speculation around his return in 2026 with Cadillac has been mounting.

When Was Cadillac F1 Team Created?

The Cadillac F1 Team, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, was confirmed in 2024 as the eleventh team on the Formula 1 grid, set to debut in the 2026 season. The team’s official launch took place during the Miami Grand Prix in May 2025, marking its formal entry into the sport.