Checo Pérez makes the most surprising leap of his career: his new contract with Cadillac makes him the highest-paid driver, surpassing even Max Verstappen.

In news that has shaken the foundations of international motorsport,  Sergio “Checo” Pérez  has signed a historic deal with  Cadillac Racing , becoming the  highest-paid driver in the world . The move not only moves him away from Red Bull, but also positions him ahead of his current teammate Max Verstappen, whose salary hegemony seemed untouchable.

The announcement comes amid a season filled with rumors about Checo’s future. Although many saw him as close to retirement or declining in level, the reality has been completely different: the Mexican is reinventing himself as a key figure in Cadillac’s most ambitious sports-film project, a brand that is strongly relaunching itself both on the track and on screen.

A multi-million dollar contract and a global marketing strategy

According to sources close to the American team, Checo Pérez’s contract exceeds  $75 million  over three years, with performance bonuses and image rights that could raise the figure even further. This agreement places him  above Verstappen , who earns around $55 million per season with Red Bull.

But this isn’t just a financial issue. Cadillac is betting heavily on  making Checo the face of its global brand , both in the world of motorsports and in popular culture. In fact, it has been confirmed that  Cadillac and Paramount Pictures  are working on a  film about the Mexican driver’s life , which would open a new era for Spanish-language sports biopics.

Hollywood, streaming, and speed: the perfect formula

Cadillac isn’t just looking to compete in Formula 1. It also wants to win at the box office and on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Checo’s contract includes  executive producer roles  on audiovisual content related to motorsports, as well as appearances in advertising campaigns aimed at Latin American and American audiences.

“Checo’s case is unique: he’s competitive, charismatic, and has a story of struggle that resonates with millions,” explained Sarah McLeod, Cadillac’s director of communications, in an exclusive interview. “We want to take that story beyond the track and turn it into a cultural phenomenon.”

From Guadalajara to the pinnacle of sports and entertainment

For many, this is the culmination of a career that has been filled with obstacles, but also with glorious moments. From his humble beginnings in Guadalajara to his consolidation as  the most successful Latin driver in Formula 1 , Checo has proven that talent and perseverance can overcome any barrier.

This new chapter with Cadillac also marks a  paradigm shift in how brands view athletes : not just as athletes, but as cultural icons, with the potential to lead campaigns, star in films, and represent brand values ​​globally.

And Verstappen? The champion’s reaction

Although there has yet to be an official statement from Max Verstappen, inside sources claim the Dutchman is “surprised” by the move, although he doesn’t see it as a direct sporting threat. Red Bull, for its part, has already begun searching for replacements for Checo in the event of an early departure.

The question now is: can Cadillac compete in Formula 1 on the same level as Red Bull and Mercedes? Everything indicates that the plan is ambitious: the American team is developing its single-seater with cutting-edge technology and will benefit from investment from General Motors and international partners.

A bright future for Latin American motorsports

Checo Pérez’s signing with Cadillac represents much more than a change of team. It’s a statement of intent:  the Latin American talent is ready to lead, on and off the track . And with the perfect combination of filmmaking, speed, marketing, and passion, Checo could become  the new global idol of sports and entertainment .