The Formula 1 grid could see a major shake-up in 2026 with Cadillac joining the championship, fuelling speculation that Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo could return. Both former Red Bull drivers are without seats next season, but Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has hinted that a future return for the pair under the Cadillac banner is possible.
Perez and Ricciardo’s departures from Red Bull mark a pause, not necessarily the end, of their F1 careers. Perez, replaced by Liam Lawson after a disappointing campaign, is expected to take a sabbatical to recharge and reassess his career ambitions. Ricciardo, benched earlier this season, has signalled a possible shutdown but remains open to the right opportunity. Horner, speaking to TalkSport , suggested Cadillac’s need for experienced drivers in their debut season could make Perez and Ricciardo prime candidates.
Cadillac, backed by General Motors, is set to join Formula 1 in 2026, expanding the grid to 11 teams. Their arrival, initially powered by Ferrari engines, presents both challenges and opportunities. Building a competitive car while adapting to new technical regulations will require seasoned professionals to lead the way. For a new team entering the sport’s elite ranks, proven drivers like Perez and Ricciardo could be invaluable.
Perez, with his vast experience and loyal fan base in Mexico, brings both expertise and business potential. A North American team with a Mexican driver could generate significant regional support and revenue opportunities for Cadillac. On the other hand, Ricciardo, a global fan favorite known for his charisma and adaptability, could boost the team’s appeal worldwide. Their combined experience could give Cadillac a competitive edge in the complexities of Formula One.
In addition to Perez and Ricciardo, other potential candidates have emerged. Valterri Bottas, known for his experience with top teams like Mercedes, is reportedly in talks with Cadillac. His ability to develop competitive machinery could be an asset for the team’s debut. Additionally, American drivers such as Jack Crawford and Colton Herta are touted as possible choices. Crawford’s progression through junior programs and Herta’s long-held ambition to race in F1 fit Cadillac’s North American identity.
However, Perez and Ricciardo remain particularly interesting options. Perez’s struggles at Red Bull have often been attributed to a car designed specifically for Max Verstappen’s driving style, raising questions about his performance in a machine suited to his strengths. Ricciardo, meanwhile, has already demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, making him a strong candidate for a leadership role at a new team.
As Cadillac prepares for its Formula 1 debut, the focus on experienced drivers and regional representation could pave the way for a dream return for Perez and Ricciardo. The idea of a Ferrari-powered Cadillac team led by two seasoned professionals is not only exciting but also strategically sound. Whether that vision comes to fruition will depend on how the next few years play out as Cadillac solidifies its plans and evaluates its driver lineup.
For now, the Formula 1 paddock awaits further developments as Cadillac prepares for its monumental debut. The prospect of Perez and Ricciardo returning to the grid offers a glimmer of hope for fans and reinforces the unpredictable nature of motorsport. Could these veteran drivers lead Cadillac’s charge in F1, or will the team opt for new talent to define its future? Only time will tell, but the possibilities are undeniably appealing.
