Sergio Perez to Race for Cadillac in 2026 F1

Sergio Perez, the Mexican Formula 1 veteran, is set to return to the grid in 2026 with the Cadillac team after a year-long hiatus following his departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season. The 35-year-old driver, who will partner Valtteri Bottas in the American outfit's debut year, described the break as a rejuvenating force that reignited his passion for the sport.

Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 as a replacement for Alex Albon, enjoying success in his first two seasons with five race wins and contributions to two Constructors' Championships alongside teammate Max Verstappen. However, his performance declined sharply in 2023 and 2024, where he struggled to secure podiums and finished 285 points behind Verstappen in the latter year. Despite a contract extension midway through 2024, Red Bull replaced him with Liam Lawson, leaving Perez without a seat for 2025 as the grid filled quickly.

The enforced sabbatical proved transformative for Perez, who had spent 15 years in Formula 1 without a significant pause. In an interview with the official F1 website, he explained how the time away allowed him to step back from the relentless cycle of races and contracts. "When you...