Sergio Pérez has confirmed his return to the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac in 2026, and he revealed that his former Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, was the first driver to reach out and congratulate him on the news.
Why it matters:
After leaving Red Bull at the end of last season, Pérez's future in F1 was uncertain. His confirmation alongside Valtteri Bottas for Cadillac's debut driver lineup in 2026 marks a significant comeback for the Mexican driver and the entry of a new major manufacturer into the sport. The warm reception from his peers, particularly Verstappen, highlights the camaraderie within the F1 paddock.
The big picture:
Pérez expressed surprise at the sheer number of messages he received from fellow drivers upon the announcement. "A lot of drivers I got messaged by," Pérez told reporters. "They seemed to miss me. I would say the first one was Max. Max was straight on… team-mates, [Pierre] Gasly, Franco [Colapinto], they did send me a message."
What they're saying:
Max Verstappen confirmed his congratulatory message, telling media at Zandvoort: "Quickly, when I saw the news come out, I sent a message to him. I’m, of course, very happy for him that he got a seat. You know, he’s a great guy, and we always got along very well, so I’m happy to see him back on the grid."
What's next:
Pérez will have his first opportunity to drive Cadillac machinery during the initial pre-season test of 2026, which is scheduled to take place behind closed doors at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya next January. His performance, as Verstappen noted, will largely depend on the competitiveness of the new Cadillac car.