Sergio Perez backed for grid upgrade after F1 form revival

Sergio Perez is making a compelling case for a return to the upper midfield or even a top team after a standout start to the 2026 season with Cadillac. The Mexican driver, who was dropped by Red Bull following a turbulent 2024 campaign alongside Max Verstappen, has consistently outperformed teammate Valtteri Bottas and is reportedly attracting serious interest from rival squads up and down the grid.

Why it matters:

Perez's resurgence directly challenges the narrative that his Red Bull struggles signaled the end of his career at the sharp end of Formula 1. For Cadillac, his strong form validates their decision to recruit a veteran with race-winning experience, but it also presents a dilemma: their lead driver is quickly becoming a target for bigger teams. A potential move would test Cadillac's ability to retain talent during its debut campaign.

The details:

• Head-to-head: Perez holds a commanding 5-2 advantage over Bottas in both qualifying and race finishes across the opening rounds.
• Fan verdict: Over 80% of fans believe Perez deserves a seat higher up the order, with 45% saying he belongs in a top-four team and 35.5% backing a move to a stronger midfield outfit. Less than one-fifth feel Cadillac is his ceiling.
• Red Bull fallout: The 34-year-old was dropped after the 2024 season following a miserable year alongside Verstappen that saw his reputation take a significant hit.
• Market interest: RacingNews365 understands that several teams are actively monitoring Perez's performances as they evaluate options for their line-ups.

What's next:

Perez will need to maintain this level of consistency to turn paddock interest into a concrete offer, particularly as Cadillac continues to find its footing in F1. With the summer driver market approaching, his performances over the next few races could determine whether he earns a genuine second chance at a front-running team or remains the benchmark for the American squad's rookie season.