Motorsport is in shock: Sergio “Checo” Perez could be about to swap Formula 1 for a historic contract with Cadillac, even surpassing the salary of his teammate Max Verstappen. With General Motors’ expansion into motorsport and Cadillac’s imminent arrival in F1, the Mexican driver could become the highest paid driver in the new American team.

Since the International Automobile Federation (FIA) approved the entry of Andretti Global in collaboration with Cadillac into Formula 1, speculation has been incessant about the drivers who would form part of the team. And at the centre of these conversations is the name of Checo Pérez.

The American team is looking for an experienced driver with strong commercial backing and the ability to lead them to success in the top category of motorsport. Checo fits that profile perfectly, and according to sources close to General Motors, he has been offered a multi-million-dollar contract that would exceed Verstappen’s current salary at Red Bull.

With over 13 years of F1 experience, wins for mid-table teams and a key role in Red Bull’s success, Perez is a coveted asset for any growing team. His market in Latin America and his charisma make him a valuable asset not only on the track, but also in terms of marketing and sponsorship.

Despite some difficulties in the current season, Checo’s experience makes him a reliable option to lead an ambitious project like Cadillac’s in F1. There is talk of a multi-year contract with figures that would be around 50 million dollars per year , surpassing Verstappen’s salary and making him the highest paid driver on the grid.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is not as certain as it seems. With tensions within the team, rumours of a possible move to Mercedes and Adrian Newey’s constant quest for dominance, the Dutchman could be weighing up his options.

If Perez decides to change teams, Red Bull would be forced to find a strong replacement to accompany Verstappen, which could rekindle the internal rivalry we saw during the Daniel Ricciardo era.

Cadillac is not just entering F1 to compete, but to revolutionise it. With a massive investment in technology and development, they could compete with the big boys in just a few years. Checo’s arrival would be a statement of authority, showing that they are willing to pay what is necessary for elite talent.

This move could also open the door for other teams to review their pay structures and for the F1 grid to experience a major shake-up in the coming years.

Social media is abuzz. Perez’s fans have expressed their excitement at the prospect of seeing him leading a new team and without the limitations of being the “number two driver” at Red Bull.

On the other hand, some fans believe that leaving Red Bull would be a mistake, as the Austrian team is still the most dominant in F1 today. However, with Cadillac’s projection, the change could be worth it.

While an official announcement has yet to be made, all signs point to Checo Pérez signing one of the most lucrative contracts in recent F1 history, becoming the highest-paid driver and the face of Cadillac in the top category.

If this comes to fruition, it would be one of the most shocking news stories of the year in motorsport. F1 is preparing for a new era, and Checo Pérez’s name could be at the centre of the revolution.