Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has suggested that former driver Sergio Perez could make a successful return to Formula 1 with the Cadillac team in 2026, provided he’s mentally recovered from his challenging final season against Max Verstappen. This comes as Cadillac has expressed an interest in the Mexican driver, with talks reportedly taking place.
Speaking to Austrian publication Kleine Zeitung, Marko has supported the driver’s place in the newly formed American team. After all, Perez is extremely marketable in a number of areas around the United States and its surrounding countries.
“If he has recovered from the pressure of Verstappen and is highly motivated, then yes. He’s very popular in Latin America and you shouldn’t forget that,” Marko said. “I’ve just spoken to him on the phone and he’s in good spirits and enjoying life.
“They will probably need an experienced driver. As a US driver, Colton Herta is a hot candidate.”
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 was formally approved last month following a long and gruelling application process. The team, supported by General Motors and Ferrari powertrains, will join the grid in 2026 on the turn of the new regulations.
“For the past year, we have worked hand in hand with GM to lay a robust foundation for an extraordinary Formula 1 entry,” Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, said in a statement. “Now, with 2026 in our sights after today’s final approval from the FIA and Formula One Management, we’re accelerating our efforts, expanding our facilities, refining cutting-edge technologies, and continuing to assemble top-tier talent.”
Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Mario Andretti, who sits on the board of the organisation, has made it no secret that the team is interested in the former Red Bull driver.
“The second cockpit will definitely be filled with an experienced driver who is available,” he told ESPN previously. Now, after Liam Lawson’s move from Red Bull to its sister team, it has highlighted how difficult Perez had it as Verstappen’s team-mate.
“There are a lot of them [drivers] in the United States, you know, but because of licensing and everything else, there definitely aren’t too many options,” Andretti said. “But the second driver, the second seat, will definitely be an experienced driver who might be available. And we all know that the selection in that regard is quite clear.
“There may be three drivers to choose from. Three drivers, realistically, to choose from. And I’m not going to tell you which ones.”
He continued: “All I can say is that Liam Lawson is making Checo look very, very good.”
Andretti also confirmed that Herta is a “great candidate.”
Leave feedback about this