Checo Pérez has three clear options to return to F1
Driver Sergio "Checo" Pérez has not competed in Formula 1 (F1) since the end of last season, when his contract with Red Bull expired. Although the Austrian team had a two-year agreement with the Mexican, it ultimately decided to end the relationship at the end of the 2024 season. Since then, numerous rumors have emerged about his possible return to the track and the teams with whom this could materialize.
At Red Bull, Checo Pérez performed outstandingly, especially in 2023, when he finished runner-up in the drivers' championship. That same season, his former teammate Max Verstappen was crowned champion, and the team won the constructors' title.
However, that wasn't enough for the Jalisco native to remain with the team. Fans began to wonder what would happen after the end of the year: whether the best Mexican driver in history would be left without a team—as happened—or whether he would choose to announce his retirement.
Among the rumors, it has been mentioned that the new F1 team, Cadillac, which will be number 11 on the grid, has him in mind for its debut in 2026. The American team was expected to make the announcement during the last Miami Grand Prix, where it was officially presented, but it did not happen nor was it revealed who its drivers will be for next year.
In fact, the specialized portal Motorsport points out that Cadillac is not the only option for Checo Pérez to return to F1 in 2026. There would be three teams in total interested in hiring him, including one of the most dominant in recent years within the top category of motorsport.
Checo Pérez's three options for returning to F1As mentioned, Cadillac is one of the teams that could sign Checo Pérez for his debut season in 2026. According to Motorsport , The Guadalajara driver has held advanced talks with the team, which values his ability to develop cars, something he already demonstrated during his time at Sauber and Force India (later Racing Point). In addition, they consider an important asset is its large fan base in the United States.
Another option is Alpine , formerly known as Renault. During its time under that name, the team had already considered Checo for one of its seats. Motorsport indicates that this possibility has resurfaced. due to internal restructuring following the departure of Oliver Oakes and the arrival of Flavio Briatore as the new boss. Furthermore, they believe Pérez could attract significant sponsors, such as Carlos Salim, similar to what happened with Argentine Franco Colapinto, who will drive five races this year.
The most notable option would be Mercedes, a team that dominated the past decade with Briton Lewis Hamilton. For this possibility to materialize, certain internal movements would have to occur. According to Motorsport , The key would be the departure of British driver George Russell, which would depend on Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull and Russell taking his place. If that scenario occurs, Toto Wolff could consider Checo as a wingman for Italian Kimi Antonelli, in a similar dynamic to the one he had with Verstappen in 2021.
*With information from Motorsport
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