Perez Confirms Cadillac Stint Will Be His Final F1 Chapter

Sergio Perez has confirmed that his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac in 2026 will mark the final chapter of his extensive F1 career. The Mexican driver, who will sit out the 2025 season after leaving Red Bull, expressed his desire to retire with the new American team. Perez aims to leverage his experience to help establish Cadillac as a "strong force" in the sport before he hangs up his helmet.

Why it matters:

Perez's declaration provides a clear narrative for the twilight of his career, shifting from a race-winning driver at a top team to a foundational figure for a new entrant. His signing is a major statement of intent for Cadillac, securing a proven race winner and veteran presence to guide their project from its inception. For Perez, it's a chance to define his legacy beyond his Red Bull tenure, potentially being remembered as a key architect in establishing a new F1 powerhouse.

The details:

• Perez stated on a podcast, "This will definitely be my final chapter. I’d love to retire with Cadillac, leaving it behind as a strong force in Formula 1 — one of the major teams."
• The 34-year-old is set to return to the grid in 2026 after spending the 2025 season away from the sport following his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024.
• He reflected on his challenging final season with Red Bull, highlighting the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix as a moment where he felt he "rediscovered his edge" before a late-race collision with Carlos Sainz ended his podium hopes.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Cadillac's progress as they prepare for their 2026 debut under new power unit regulations. Perez's role will extend beyond just driving the car; he will be a vital leader in developing the team's culture and providing feedback to accelerate its climb up the grid. Whether this partnership can transform a new entrant into a "major team" will be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2026 season and beyond.