Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda struggle as Red Bull trials replacements. Sergio Perez’s value climbs amid talks with Cadillac and Alpine for 2026 return.
Sitting on the sidelines may be doing wonders for Sergio Perez’s reputation in 2025, a stark contrast to his time at Red Bull, where “Checo was never truly listened to by his team.”
That’s the view of F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi, who regrets how Perez’s time with Red Bull ended but is hopeful about a return to the grid, possibly with Cadillac, or even Alpine F1.
“Checo was an excellent representative for Latin America, but he was never truly listened to by his team. It’s very clear now,” said Fittipaldi, a two-time F1 world champion.
After a series of poor performances, Sergio Perez was dropped by Red Bull and replaced by Liam Lawson. But Lawson’s results were even worse. He was quickly swapped out for Yuki Tsunoda, whose impact hasn’t been much better.
“This season, Red Bull is trying out drivers alongside Max Verstappen, but in my opinion, they’ve been worse than Checo,” Fittipaldi added. “Perez won in Monaco, he won in Baku, two of the toughest street circuits, and he was fast. Now you can see the struggle. Red Bull is rotating drivers trying to find someone close to Max, but Checo was still the best option.”
Another F1 icon, Mario Andretti, now an advisor for Cadillac’s F1 project, confirmed that Perez is on their radar for 2026.
“We’re assessing the driver market and looking at who has the experience we need,” Andretti said. “As we mentioned in Miami, Perez fits that profile well. He’s definitely one of the drivers we might consider. That’s all I can say for now.”
Fittipaldi also believes a Cadillac-Perez pairing would make sense.
“General Motors is entering F1 with Cadillac, and they’re serious about it. Checo is absolutely a top contender.”
Even Christian Horner, the Red Bull team boss who let Perez go, agrees.
“Last year was tough for Checo, but it’s good to see that a comeback is on the table. He’s an experienced racer, a proven winner, and hugely popular. It’d be great to see him back on the grid.”
Perez Also in Talks with Alpine for 2026
His management is speaking with Flavio Briatore
Sergio Perez isn’t betting everything on Cadillac for a return to Formula 1.
The Mexican driver recently hinted that multiple teams are interested in him, and Alpine is one of them. Talks are already underway.
Since Monday, Alpine F1 has been at the center of attention. Flavio Briatore, who now oversees Alpine’s driver lineup, already has several young drivers in the pipeline to partner with Pierre Gasly. Still, he’s reportedly very keen on Perez, and the Mexican sponsorships he could bring.
While Cadillac remains the most advanced option for 2026, Alpine cannot be ruled out.
Perez has said he’s looking for a project that’s “motivating” and “respects my career and experience.” Both Cadillac and Alpine seem to fit the bill.
The conversations are being led by Perez’s longtime backer, Carlos Slim Domit. In Miami, Slim met with both Alpine executive Graeme Lowdon and Briatore. Their talks go back to when Perez first left Red Bull.
In the short term, Alpine might actually offer Perez a more competitive car than Cadillac.
There’s also potential for Slim and Briatore to collaborate even without Perez. Argentine driver Franco Colapinto, backed by Slim, could join Alpine’s development pool, or align with other Latin American talent under a broader sponsorship strategy.
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