Sergio Perez has been linked with a surprising move to Alpine as he looks to return to the F1 grid. Perez lost his Red Bull seat in ignominious circumstances at the end of 2024 but remains an attractive option for midfield teams.
Alpine have only just made a driver change, with Franco Colapinto replacing Jack Doohan as Pierre Gasly’s teammate. Colapinto has only signed an initial five-race deal, though, and the team are already considering their options for 2026.
According to The Race, one of those is Perez. His camp reached out to Alpine last year, and Carlos Slim Domit, one of his biggest backers, held fresh talks with Flavio Briatore in Miami.
| TEAM | SEATS TBC |
| Red Bull | One |
| Mercedes | Two |
| Alpine | One |
| Racing Bulls | Two |
| Cadillac | Two |
Perez isn’t yet thought to be a ‘leading contender’ for the seat. However, Alpine are at least ‘open’ to the idea of signing him, which is why Briatore held follow-up conversations.
The Mexican himself would prefer to race for Alpine over new entrants Cadillac. He knows they would be more competitive and is aware that he can’t think long-term at the age of 35.
There was talk before the Miami GP that Cadillac had agreed a deal with Perez. Now that looks premature, with the six-time Grand Prix winner still shopping the market.
Sergio Perez’s talks with Alpine could be good news for Valtteri Bottas
Up to this point, Perez has appeared the main contender for F1’s 11th team. The consensus is that Cadillac want an experienced driver to lead their project, potentially alongside an exciting youngster.
Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas has already held talks with Cadillac. Bottas, who has won 10 races and scored 67 podiums, dropped off the grid for 2025 after Sauber let him go.
Unlike Perez, Bottas has pinned his hopes on Cadillac rather than negotiating with other teams. It seems to be a case of one or the other.
But if his Mexican rival manages to seal a more desirable Alpine move, it could open the door for Bottas to make his F1 comeback. His CV makes him the strongest alternative for Cadillac’s veteran driver slot.
Claire Williams’ passionate case for Valtteri Bottas to be on the F1 grid
Described as ‘majestic’ by Mercedes engineer James Allison, many feel Bottas was hard done by in last year’s driver market. Sauber didn’t finalise their line-up until November, by which point every realistic option was off the table.
Speaking on a podcast this week, Claire Williams said it boggles her mind that Bottas doesn’t have a seat. She gave him his F1 debut back in 2013.
Williams ‘cannot believe’ Bottas’ current situation, calling him both a ‘great driver’ and a ‘great personality’. His role with Mercedes, which entails test outings for both the Silver Arrows and their engine customers, keeps him active.
Bottas recently transformed Kimi Antonelli’s weekend in Japan with crucial tips on tyre preparation. That shows exactly why Mercedes brought him back, and also demonstrates the wisdom that could be so valuable to Cadillac.
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