Perez to return as Cadillac Ambassador in Mexico; Brown dismisses 'ludicrous' Piastri claim

As the United States Grand Prix media day approaches, news surrounding Sergio Perez's future and Zak Brown's legal battles are making headlines. Perez is set to return to F1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac team, but will first serve as an ambassador for the team at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix. Meanwhile, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has publicly dismissed what he calls a 'ludicrous' claim made during an ongoing courtroom battle.

Why it matters:

Perez's role as an ambassador offers a glimpse into his post-Red Bull career and the preparations for Cadillac's F1 entry, a significant development for the sport. Concurrently, Brown's strong reaction to courtroom claims highlights the intense legal and contractual intricacies that often unfold behind the scenes in Formula 1, revealing the pressures and disputes faced by top team principals.

The details:

• Perez's Cadillac Role: Sergio Perez will join the new Cadillac team for the 2026 F1 season after a year out of the sport. Before his racing comeback, he will serve as an ambassador for Cadillac at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix.
  • In this ambassadorial capacity, Perez will engage with fans, conduct interviews, attend media sessions, and sign autographs, celebrating his return in front of his home crowd.
  • He is reportedly working closely with Valtteri Bottas for General Motors, the parent company of Cadillac, in preparation for their 2026 entry.
• Brown's Legal Battle: McLaren CEO Zak Brown is currently embroiled in a courtroom dispute with IndyCar driver Alex Palou.
  • The case, which is entering its final week, involves Palou's testimony in London.
  • Brown expressed his amusement and dismissal of a specific claim regarding Oscar Piastri's signing, stating to Reuters, "I'm not sure which allegation amused me more -- the notion that I would not be the one making a key decision about our driver line-up, or the suggestion that I wasn’t on board with signing the hugely talented Oscar Piastri."

Looking Ahead:

Perez's ambassadorial role is a strategic move to build anticipation for Cadillac's entry into F1, potentially drumming up significant fan interest, especially in the Mexican market. His full-time return in 2026 will be a major storyline. Simultaneously, the resolution of the legal battle involving Zak Brown and Alex Palou will be closely watched, as it could set precedents for driver contracts and team leadership decisions within top-tier motorsport. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of F1, combining on-track racing with critical off-track strategic and legal maneuvers.