Verstappen Pens Message to Perez Ahead of Cadillac Return

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, former Red Bull teammates, reunited during the 2025 season for a heartfelt helmet swap. Verstappen penned a personal message on Perez's helmet, thanking him for being “a great teammate and friend,” a touching gesture as Perez prepares for his 2026 F1 return with the new Cadillac team.

Why it matters:

The public display of respect between the four-time champion and his former number two driver offers a rare glimpse into the personal relationships within F1's high-pressure environment. It also frames Perez's mindset as he moves on from a turbulent end to his Red Bull tenure, focusing on enjoyment and a fresh start rather than settling scores.

The details:

• The Reunion: Perez revealed the meeting on social media, showing a photo of him and Verstappen with a helmet from Verstappen's 2024 campaign. The message on the visor read, "Thank you for being a great teammate and friend."
• Cadillac Return: After sitting out the 2025 season, Perez will join the incoming Cadillac squad in 2026. He will be partnered by former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, creating one of the most experienced driver lineups on the grid.
• Red Bull's Struggles: Perez's departure was followed by a difficult 2025 for Red Bull. His replacements, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, managed only a handful of points between them, struggling to adapt to the car and highlighting the challenge of the second Red Bull seat.
• Perez's Mindset: Following his struggles at Red Bull, Perez stated he has "nothing to prove" and is returning to F1 to "enjoy the sport" again with the new Cadillac project.

What's next:

Perez's focus now shifts to building the foundation for Cadillac's F1 entry in 2026. After conducting early tests in a Ferrari-powered car, his experience will be vital for the new American team as it aims to be competitive from the start. His reunion with Verstappen seems to have provided a sense of closure, allowing him to fully embrace this new chapter in his career.