The world of motorsport is shaken by news that could reshape the map of Formula 1 as we know it: Sergio “Checo” Pérez has begun official negotiations with Cadillac Racing , and Christian Horner has responded with a message of just eight words that has left the paddock on alert.

The bombshell broke this Monday when sources close to General Motors confirmed that Cadillac, along with Andretti Global , is in advanced talks with the Mexican Red Bull Racing driver. The move would not only mark a radical shift in Checo’s career, but also a milestone for Cadillac, which is seeking to establish itself as the new American giant in the top category of motorsports.

The message that paralyzed the paddock

As rumors spread like wildfire on social media, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner broke the silence with a brief but meaningful statement :

“Never underestimate what Checo can do.”

Eight words. Direct. Firm. And above all, revealing. The statement was captured by a Sky Sports F1 journalist as Horner was leaving Red Bull’s hospitality area at Imola. Immediately, social media exploded with theories, reactions, and memes.

Some interpret the phrase as a belated but solid endorsement of Checo, after months of speculation about his departure from the team. Others interpret it as a veiled warning to competitors: Pérez still has enough fuel to set the track on fire .

Cadillac steps on the accelerator

Cadillac’s entry into F1 is nothing new. In 2024, the FIA ​​confirmed that the North American manufacturer met the technical and financial requirements to join the championship, in collaboration with Andretti. But signing a driver of Checo Pérez’s caliber would be its masterstroke .

With more than 250 Grands Prix, multiple podiums, and victories under his belt, Pérez not only brings talent and experience: he also brings with him a legion of fans in Latin America and enormous commercial clout. Cadillac knows this, and it’s going all out .

Why now?

The negotiations come amid a complex environment for Red Bull. Although Max Verstappen continues to dominate, the relationship between Checo and the team has been a subject of debate. Subtle criticism, questionable strategies, and constant pressure to perform have strained the bond. And as the F1 saying goes: “If you’re not renewing, you’re looking for a new seat.”

Furthermore, 2026 will be a year of radical changes to the technical and powertrain regulations. Cadillac plans to debut that year with an innovative proposal and needs a proven driver to lead the project. Checo seems to be a perfect fit.

What does this mean for the future?

Although Horner is trying to remain calm, the possibility of losing Checo poses several dilemmas for Red Bull . Will they turn to a young talent like Liam Lawson? Will they look to sign a veteran like Carlos Sainz if he becomes a free agent after Audi joins Sauber?

On the other hand, Cadillac could position itself as the “dark horse” of 2026 if it manages to assemble a competitive team from the start. And with Checo Pérez at the wheel, the narrative of “the Mexican who led the American revolution in F1” sounds as epic as it is worthy of a movie.

The networks react: the show has already begun

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok , the hashtags #ChecoToCadillac and #Horner8Words have begun to go viral. Memes, reactions from automotive influencers, and even film comparisons are flooding the feed.

One user commented: “This sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie: the Latino driver breaks with the Austrians and leads the American dream with a Cadillac. Give it to me NOW!”

Another noted: “Checo can do what Fernando did at Aston Martin: build a project from scratch. Cadillac would be his legacy.”

Season finale with maximum tension

As the championship progresses, Checo Pérez’s future seems more uncertain and exciting than ever. But if Horner’s eight words make one thing clear, it’s that no one can give up on the Guadalajara native .
Because, as his team boss rightly said…

“Never underestimate what Checo can do.”