Cadillac have outlined their ‘main mission’ for Sergio Perez if he signs for the 2026 F1 season

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Sergio Perez is aiming to make a return to Formula 1 for the 2026 season, with Cadillac seemingly his likely destination.

The Mexican dropped off the grid after being sacked by Red Bull at the end of 2024. Taking a year out of motorsport, he is determined to land a seat for next season.

James Hinchcliffe has his ‘fingers crossed’ for Perez that he can return to F1, and he is one of the hottest free agents of the F1 driver market right now. He has been attracting interest from multiple teams on the grid.

Perez was sensationally linked with Mercedes, but that has quickly quietened down. Alpine also seem out of the question, with Cadillac being the most likely option for the 35-year-old.

F1’s 11th team are looking to finalise their line-up for 2026. Cadillac have been speaking to Perez since leaving Red Bull, making him one of their top candidates.

Cadillac’s ‘main mission’ with Sergio Perez is the development of their car, not to win races

Cadillac are set to sign Valtteri Bottas as their first driver, with an announcement expected in the coming days. It is unclear whether the American outfit will run with two experienced drivers or have a younger option next to Bottas.

Perez and Bottas seem the likely combination, which will give Cadillac a wealth of experience from proven race winners. But reaching the top step of the podium is not the team’s goal for the Mexican.

Journalist Adal Franco says that Cadillac’s ‘main mission’ for Perez is for him to help with the development of their car, rather than fighting for podiums.

“Let’s see, this is what is sounding the strongest as a possibility. The Checo-Bottas duo would give you the expertise they have gained over the years in the top flight,” he said via ESPN MX.

“Above all, let’s understand one thing: anyone who thinks Checo will fight for a podium finish if he returns to Formula 1 with Cadillac is mistaken.

“The main mission for which the team, I understand, is looking for Checo is not to win. Of course, they need to score points because that translates into money, I agree.

“But the main mission is in the development, the evolution of the car, which Checo is very good at.”

READ MORE: Sergio Perez’s life outside F1 from net worth to nickname

Could Sergio Perez be under pressure to secure a Cadillac seat?

The Mexican has been in negotiations with F1’s 11th team for some time. However, Cadillac have denied rumours that they have signed Perez, and he could now be under pressure to secure a deal.

Perez’s camp do not want him to be Cadillac’s second driver, but with Bottas set to be announced first, his chances are a lot more uncertain. The General Motors-backed team are yet to decide what calibre of driver they want next to the Finn.

The likes of Jack Doohan, Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Dunne have been linked with the team, while Mick Schumacher looks likely to be Cadillac’s reserve driver and sign with their WEC programme.

Perez remains a top target for F1’s newcomers. But with Bottas’ signing being a done deal, the 35-year-old now faces a fight to land the second seat.