Max Verstappen has welcomed Sergio Perez's return to Formula 1 with Cadillac, praising his former teammate's experience. Perez and Valtteri Bottas were confirmed earlier this week as the spearhead drivers for Cadillac's F1 debut in 2026.
Why it matters
Perez's return to the grid, alongside Bottas, marks a significant moment for Cadillac's F1 entry. Securing two highly experienced drivers underlines the team's ambition and provides a strong foundation for their inaugural season, a move widely supported by the F1 paddock.
The big picture
Verstappen, who partnered Perez at Red Bull from 2021 to 2024, revealed he sent a personal message to Perez after the announcement. He expressed happiness for Perez, highlighting his character and the positive impact of his return to the sport.
The details
- Verstappen's perspective: "He's a great guy and we always got along very well, so I'm happy to see him back on the grid." Verstappen emphasized that Perez's performance will depend on the car, but sees it as a fresh start where his varied career path, having driven for many teams, will be a significant asset for Cadillac.
- Alonso's view: Fernando Alonso highlighted the importance of Cadillac prioritizing experience over youth. He noted that both Perez and Bottas bring invaluable understanding of top teams (Red Bull and Mercedes, respectively) and the philosophy needed for success.
- Gasly's sentiment: Pierre Gasly hailed their return as a boost for F1, calling them "two amazing characters" who have achieved race wins and fought for podiums, adding "good spice to the racing."
- Albon's insight: Alex Albon, who returned to F1 after a year out, suggested that the upcoming regulation reset would create a more level playing field, aiding the experienced duo's re-adaptation.
What's next
Cadillac is set to make its highly anticipated debut on the F1 grid at the Australian Grand Prix in March next year, with Perez and Bottas at the helm.