Mario Andretti offers ‘encouraging’ update on Sergio Perez joining Cadillac F1 after confirming ‘conversations’ are ongoing

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Sergio Perez’s legion of loyal Mexican Formula 1 fans have been offered a glimmer of hope that he could be back on the grid next season.

Red Bull confirmed Perez’s exit following the conclusion of the 2024 season after a difficult campaign where he was outclassed by teammate Max Verstappen.

The way the F1 driver’s market shook out meant there was no immediate return to the grid for Sergio Perez in 2025.

However, the introduction of an 11th team in 2026, Cadillac, has suddenly offered the six-time race winner a potential route back into the paddock.

The 35-year-old came a season short of reaching 300 Grand Prix starts, but if he can win over Cadillac advisor and F1 champion Mario Andretti, he may yet reach that impressive milestone.

Perez has been linked with Alpine recently and even a potential move to Mercedes, so Cadillac might not have the luxury of time that they first thought.

However, Andretti has made some positive noises about Perez, although he was keen to not give too much away about how far things have progressed.

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

Mario Andretti provides ‘encouraging’ Sergio Perez to Cadillac update

Andretti was being interviewed on the Pit Talk Podcast and was asked about Cadillac’s potential driver line-up for next year and where they stand with Perez heading into next season.

He said, “Well, all I can tell you is that he’s certainly one of the drivers that’s being considered, he has to be.

“I cannot divulge as to where we are with any commitment whatsoever. I think we want to keep that luxury to ourselves until we feel that we have scanned the entire spectrum of availability if you will.

“I think that’s a prudent thing to do, so, what’s encouraging is that there’s really some good reaction to individuals that want to join, I think that’s a good thing for us.

“And then, at the same time, the choice is somewhat limited, let’s face it. A lot of the great talents are already under contract.

“But fortunately, a few are out there, three or four, let’s say maybe three, that certainly deserve consideration and all of this is being looked upon very seriously.

“There’s some conversations going on somewhere, so, that’s as far as I can tell you.”

READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers

Who could Cadillac sign as Sergio Perez’s teammate if 2026 F1 seat is confirmed?

There are only a handful of drivers currently employed by a Formula 1 team who haven’t got a contract for 2026.

Mercedes pair George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli fit into that category, while the revolving Red Bull door means only Verstappen is contracted beyond 2025.

Franco Colapinto is yet to make his Alpine debut and only has a five-race deal to fall back on, but these vacancies might all appeal to Perez, aside from a potential Red Bull return.

Perez appears to be Cadillac’s number one target, and interestingly, Andretti believes their shortlist has been narrowed down to just a handful of drivers.

F1 Oversteer understands Frederik Vesti has been considered by Cadillac after several seasons working with Mercedes,

Sebastian Vettel wants Mick Schumacher to return to the grid with Cadillac, while the likes of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are also in the frame.