Red Bull Faces Backlash as Sergio Perez Hints at F1 Return with Cadillac Amid Regret Claims
Formula 1 is abuzz with controversy as Sergio Perez has publicly called out Red Bull for failing to support him during his 2024 struggles, suggesting the team now regrets his departure. The Mexican driver, dropped by Red Bull at the end of last season, has opened up on the Spanish podcast Desde El Paddock, revealing the toll of an ill-fated car upgrade and mounting pressure, while fueling speculation about a 2026 comeback with Cadillac. As Red Bull grapples with underwhelming performances from replacements Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, Perez’s candid remarks have reignited debates about the team’s decision-making.
Perez’s Red Bull tenure began brightly in 2021, supporting Max Verstappen’s title fight against Lewis Hamilton, and peaked in 2022 with a third-place finish and championship contention. His 2023 season saw a strong start with two wins, securing a second-place finish, but a pivotal 2023 Spanish Grand Prix upgrade made the car “unmanageable,” he claims, a concern he and Verstappen raised to no avail. By 2024, despite early podiums and a contract extension, his form plummeted to eighth, prompting his exit. Perez now asserts Red Bull’s lack of protection—“It would have been so easy for them to say, ‘We have a driver under contract’”—created a toxic environment, pressuring his engineers and costing the team dearly.
The fallout has been stark. Lawson’s dismal 2025 start—zero points in Australia and China—led to his demotion, with Tsunoda stepping in but managing only 10 points so far, paling against Perez’s 152 in 2024. Perez, citing a “very reliable source,” believes Red Bull regrets the move, a sentiment echoed by fans online who question the team’s current lineup. “Maybe keeping Perez was the right call,” one post mused, reflecting growing discontent. Red Bull’s silence on the matter only amplifies the narrative of misjudgment.
Looking ahead, Perez isn’t done with F1. Linked to Cadillac’s 2026 entry, he’s on a shortlist with Valtteri Bottas, Mick Schumacher, and Theo Pourchaire, with talks set to intensify at the British Grand Prix. “Things are going well… I’m not in a rush,” Perez said, indicating a deliberate approach to his next move. Cadillac’s need for an experienced driver aligns with Perez’s pedigree, though competition from Bottas, a Mercedes reserve eyeing a return, keeps the race tight. His North American appeal could tip the scales, especially as Cadillac expands the grid to 22 cars.
As Red Bull’s second-driver woes persist, Perez’s potential comeback looms large. Will Cadillac seize the opportunity to sign him, or will Red Bull’s regret prompt a reconciliation? The sport watches closely, with Perez’s next chapter poised to reshape the 2026 landscape, leaving fans eager for the drama to unfold at Silverstone and beyond.
