“Checo, Checo, Checo…,” echoed excited Sergio Perez fans who gatecrashed a glamorous event in Miami for the new Cadillac Formula 1 team.
Fans lined the streets outside the exclusive Queen Miami Beach hotspot, billed as the ultimate Japanese steakhouse experience, and chanted the Mexican drivers’ name.
It comes after Perez, 35, was linked with a seat at the all-new team which is joining the F1 grid in 2026. Perez, who was axed by Red Bull at the end of last season, has yet to sign for the team, and is understood to be just one driver the new team are speaking to.
However, fans made their feelings known outside the Cadillac event.
Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon is facing a tough battle to secure the right talent to lead the fledgling team as the majority of the drivers on the grid are under long-term deals
Former Red Bull racer Perez has been near the top of Cadillac’s list for a while. Perez has notched up 281 grand prix starts and his experience would be crucial to help Cadillac get up to speed.
He would also be an attractive option commercially, bringing significant backing from Mexican communications mogul Carlos Slim.
Apart from the financial support, having a high-profile Mexican driver would also be of benefit to Cadillac and General Motors as a North American brand.
There was a suggestion that Perez would attend the event, but despite not being present, his fans turned out in force.
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