Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez may have been shown the exit door at Red Bull, but their Formula 1 careers might not be over just yet. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner recently hinted that both drivers could find their way back to the grid in 2026 with the newly formed Cadillac F1 team. As General Motors prepares to enter the sport, securing experienced drivers will be a priority, making Ricciardo and Perez strong contenders for a seat.
The 2026 season will see Cadillac debut as an F1 constructor, and the team will require skilled professionals to navigate the challenges of their first campaign. With the pool of available seasoned drivers shrinking, Horner’s prediction about Ricciardo or Perez joining the GM-backed project seems increasingly plausible. Neither will be racing in 2025, with Perez taking a sabbatical and Ricciardo losing his Red Bull-affiliated seat to rising talent Liam Lawson. However, the expansion of F1 to 11 teams presents new opportunities.
For Perez, a return to F1 in 2026 could be a logical step. Horner acknowledged that the Mexican driver has been on a relentless schedule for years and is now taking time to reassess his ambitions. If he chooses to extend his career, Cadillac would provide a fresh start, potentially with a car better suited to his driving style. His tenure at Red Bull was marred by struggles with a car developed primarily around Max Verstappen’s preferences, which led to inconsistent performances. A competitive seat at Cadillac, backed by Ferrari engines, could allow him to showcase his true potential.
Ricciardo, on the other hand, has hinted at closure regarding his F1 career, but circumstances could change. A return in 2026 with Cadillac would offer him a last shot at proving his worth in the sport. His experience with Red Bull, McLaren, and Renault, combined with his popularity among fans, could make him a valuable asset to the American-backed team.
Cadillac’s arrival in F1 is significant, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that an American automaker has competed at the highest level of motorsport. After a previous unsuccessful bid with Andretti Global, GM secured its place on the grid by meeting key regulatory requirements. The team has confirmed Ferrari as its engine supplier until GM’s own power unit is race-ready, which is expected between 2028 and 2030.
Beyond Ricciardo and Perez, other potential candidates for Cadillac’s 2026 lineup include Valtteri Bottas, an experienced driver with insights from top teams like Mercedes and Sauber. His knowledge of car development could be invaluable to a new team looking to build a competitive package. Young American talents like Jack Crawford and Colton Herta are also in contention. Crawford has gained experience through Red Bull and Aston Martin’s junior programs, while Herta has long been on the verge of an F1 seat but was previously held back by super license issues. If Cadillac wants to emphasize its North American identity, these drivers could be ideal choices.
For Cadillac, signing proven race winners like Perez or Ricciardo would be a strong move to establish credibility in the sport. Both drivers have demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different teams, making them suitable candidates to lead the team’s development efforts. Additionally, having a Mexican driver in Perez could enhance Cadillac’s appeal in the Latin American market, while Ricciardo’s global fanbase would provide significant marketing value.
As speculation continues, Cadillac has yet to reveal any hints about its driver lineup, leaving the F1 world eagerly waiting for announcements. The possibility of Ricciardo and Perez spearheading the project remains uncertain, but their return to the grid through Cadillac is far from unrealistic. Whether the team opts for experience, emerging talent, or a mix of both, the 2026 season promises to be an exciting new chapter in Formula 1’s evolution
