Sergio Perez poised for F1 return amid contract talks

Former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is reportedly in discussions for a dramatic return to Formula 1 next season.



The Mexican driver was dropped by Red Bull following a disappointing 2024 campaign, where he finished eighth in the drivers’ standings. His struggles, combined with a mid-season slump from teammate Max Verstappen, led to Red Bull losing the constructors’ championship to McLaren, who claimed their first title since 1998.



While Perez has been on the sidelines since his departure, his replacement, Liam Lawson, has faced a tough start to his tenure at Red Bull. Reports indicate that the New Zealander could be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda before the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.



Could Perez Join Cadillac?



Despite his exit from Red Bull, Perez’s F1 career might not be over just yet. According to FOX Sports, the six-time race winner is in negotiations with Cadillac, the American team set to join the grid next season. Cadillac is preparing for its debut as Formula 1’s 11th team and is currently assembling its driver lineup.



FOX Sports journalist Chacho Lopez shared his insights on the situation, stating, “Cadillac is not going to fight for victories or, maybe, podiums – that’s what I think Checo Perez is thinking. In fact, there are already negotiations with Cadillac. Checo will be thinking that he is going to have a very big economic offer, a technical base that can walk in the future, but in the [first] season he is going to start from zero.”



Perez Unlikely to Return to Red Bull



While some have speculated that Perez could make a return to Red Bull in the future, Lopez believes this scenario is highly unlikely. The Mexican driver would remain in a secondary role behind Max Verstappen, which may not be an appealing prospect for him.



“I don’t think Checo would accept [to return to Red Bull] because they treated him very badly,” Lopez stated. “What would Checo ask [to return]? He can’t ask to be put as the first driver, because that’s Max Verstappen, so that’s not the way it goes.



“He could say, ‘Give me an important position because in another team I’m going to be number one.’ He’s going to do it, surely, if he signs with Cadillac.”



With speculation swirling, all eyes will be on Perez’s next move as he evaluates his future in Formula 1. A switch to Cadillac could offer him a fresh start, albeit in a team that will take time to establish itself as a competitive force on the grid.
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