The world of Formula 1 continues to evolve, and recent decisions by Sergio “Checo” Pérez have shocked the motorsport community. After leaving Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season, the Mexican driver has become the center of much speculation about his future in the premier motorsport category.

Checo Perez leaves Red Bull

After four seasons with Red Bull, where he made significant contributions to the team’s success, including winning two Constructors’ Championships, Checo Pérez and the Austrian team decided to part ways. Although officially presented as a mutual decision, insider sources suggest that Pérez’s inconsistent performance in 2024 was the decisive factor in this resolution. It has also been mentioned that media pressure and excessive expectations in his home country might have affected his performance.

Cadillac and its move into Formula 1

At the same time, General Motors announced its entry into Formula 1 under the Cadillac brand starting in the 2026 season. This strategic move aims to position the American brand on the global motorsport stage, taking advantage of new regulations coming into effect that year. The partnership with Andretti Global plays a crucial role in realizing this project, and the team is expected to compete with Ferrari engines in the early stages while developing its own engine by 2028.

Checo Pérez’s future: Will Cadillac be his new home?

With Cadillac confirmed to join the grid in 2026, speculation about Checo Pérez joining the new team has been increasing. The experience and background of the Mexican driver make him an ideal candidate to lead Cadillac’s project in its first season. Furthermore, his popularity in the Americas could be another attraction for the brand. While no official confirmation has been made, sources close to the situation have mentioned that negotiations between the two sides have already begun.

Red Bull and the team reshuffle

After Pérez’s departure, Red Bull decided to promote young talent Liam Lawson for the 2025 season. Lawson, who had previously been a test and reserve driver, has shown excellent performance in lower categories, earning the trust of the team management. However, his relationship with Pérez has not been without tension, particularly after controversial incidents on the track.

Mario Andretti’s perspective on the Cadillac project

Mario Andretti, a Formula 1 legend and a key figure in the Cadillac-Andretti alliance, has expressed his excitement about the new team. Andretti highlights that Cadillac’s entry coincides with the implementation of new regulations in 2026, which levels the playing field and offers a unique opportunity for the team to compete at the highest level from its debut. He also emphasizes the importance of having experienced drivers to guide the team’s development in its early years.

The importance of experience in a debuting team

The entry of a new team into Formula 1 always represents a monumental challenge. Having renowned and experienced drivers, like Checo Pérez, can be decisive in speeding up the adaptation and development process. The combination of Pérez’s experience with the momentum of young talents could be the ideal formula for Cadillac to quickly establish itself as a serious competitor on the grid.

The Formula 1 landscape is preparing for significant changes in the coming years. Checo Pérez’s departure from Red Bull and Cadillac’s entry in 2026 open up a range of exciting possibilities. If negotiations succeed, we could see the Mexican driver leading the American project, bringing his vast experience and charisma to a new era of global motorsport.