A comeback full of symbolism for Checo Pérez

Sergio “Checo” Pérez isn’t just getting back into a Formula 1 car, he’s doing it under special circumstances. The alliance between Cadillac Racing and Ferrari has opened the door for a unique test at Imola, where he’ll drive a 2023 Ferrari. This arrangement comes due to F1 regulations, which require cars used in such tests to be at least two years old, a condition that Cadillac’s upcoming model has yet to meet.

The Mexican driver, who recently parted ways with Red Bull, is approaching this two-day session as a crucial step to regain confidence and prove he’s still in top form ahead of his next chapter.

Why Ferrari and not Cadillac?

The technical reason is simple: Cadillac’s new Formula 1 car, set to debut in the 2026 season, doesn’t yet meet the regulatory criteria for on-track testing. The 2023 Ferrari, on the other hand, allows Checo to log real mileage and sharpen both his body and mind for what’s ahead. The collaboration between the Italian and American teams has been key to making Pérez’s return possible. This test at Imola represents more than a routine session, it’s a moment of truth before a new beginning.

A symbolic test for a new era

The fact that Checo will drive a Ferrari before debuting with Cadillac makes the occasion not just professional, but deeply symbolic. It shows that he’s entering this new stage with determination, ambition, and respect for the sport that has defined his career.

Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal, made it clear that Pérez was chosen not just for his popularity but for his genuine speed and experience in Formula 1. With Bottas as his teammate, Pérez will lead Cadillac’s debut lineup in 2026, but June 2025 will already mark the beginning of his new era with this test.

From Imola to the future: challenges and ambition

This test at Imola won’t just serve as a physical tune-up for Pérez, it’s a statement of intent. He sees it as a chance to regain rhythm, confidence, and sharpness right after closing his Red Bull chapter. It’s the perfect stage to show that Checo still has plenty left to give.

The countdown is on. While the F1 world waits for his official Cadillac debut, this Ferrari test serves as a bridge between a past filled with achievements and a future full of promise. The track, the car, and the driver are ready, only the green light is missing.