Cadillac F1’s 2026 driver hunt narrows. Sergio Perez, Zhou and Bottas emerge as top choices for the team’s ambitious debut.
Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, a major figure in Formula 1 and longtime backer of Sergio Perez, believes there is a real chance the former Red Bull driver could return to the grid.
At 35, Perez is spending 2025 at home with his young family. Still supported by Telmex, he is seen as a leading candidate to join the new Cadillac F1 team in 2026, which is actively searching for an experienced driver.
“It really depends on him, on what he wants and the opportunities he will have,” Slim said.
“A driver like Checo, who has achieved so much in his career, will be looking for something that excites him and challenges him at the right moment.”
“In the meantime, he can focus on his business interests. It will all come down to how motivated he feels about a future project and the offers he receives.”
A positive sign for Perez, whose contract with Red Bull was reportedly terminated at a cost of around 20 million dollars, is that the Mexican Grand Prix looks set to stay on the F1 calendar.
Clara Brugada, head of Mexico City’s government, announced recently that an extension of the race is close to being finalized.
Meanwhile, Mario Andretti, 1978 World Champion and an advisor to Cadillac F1, has shown support for considering Perez as an option.
“That is definitely on the table. If you look at Red Bull’s struggles with their second drivers, you realize how well Sergio actually performed.”
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya added that he would bet heavily on a Perez and Guanyu Zhou lineup. Zhou is currently Ferrari’s reserve driver, and Ferrari will supply engines to Cadillac from 2026 to 2028. Zhou is also managed by Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal.
“Sergio Perez would be a great fit for Cadillac. And pairing him with Guanyu Zhou would make perfect sense,” Montoya said.
“Zhou already knows the Ferrari systems. He will drive, develop, and understand everything Ferrari does. And Cadillac is using Ferrari engines. It all lines up.”
Montoya also warned Cadillac about rushing to put an American like Colton Herta into Formula 1, suggesting the transition from IndyCar would be too tough.
“Some people say Cadillac must hire an American. Honestly, it would be crazy if Colton Herta jumped straight into F1,” Montoya explained.
“Sure, he is quick and talented. But moving from IndyCar to F1 is a huge leap. The cultural shock of moving to Europe would be overwhelming. It could completely derail his career.”
It seems Cadillac may have already drawn the same conclusion. Mario Andretti revealed that the team has narrowed down its options to just three drivers. Likely candidates are Perez, Zhou, and Valtteri Bottas.
“I wish I could tell you the names, but we have decided to keep it confidential so we do not risk anything before the deals are done,” Andretti said.
“There are three drivers we are focusing on. Three real options. I cannot say who they are yet. It is very important we keep this quiet until the final decision is made.”
“There are many talented American drivers, but because of super license requirements and other factors, it will be very difficult to have an American from day one. Still, we have not ruled it out completely.”
- Discover More>“Nobody in the US knew what F1 was when I raced” – Scott Speed
- Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 update
Cadillac Eyes Perez, Zhou and Bottas for 2026 F1 Lineup Cadillac Eyes Perez, Zhou and Bottas for 2026 F1 Lineup
- Oscar Piastri: Calm on Track, Fierce Emotions Beneath Helmet
- Verstappen Admits McLaren’s Rob Marshall Boost Hurts Red Bull
- Rising Star Antonelli Targets World Title with Mercedes
- James Vowles: F1 Friendships, Hamilton Bonds and Racing Dreams
- F1’s AI Revolution Grows Fast but People Stay Essential