Pato O’Ward believes Sergio Perez is coming back to Formula 1 after he saw him doing one thing

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Sergio Perez was linked with a return to Formula 1 within months of his Red Bull exit. Given his track record in the sport, that’s not a surprise.

He’s started not far short of 300 Grands Prix, picking up six victories and 39 podiums. While his Red Bull tenure ended in damaging fashion, he deserves credit for selflessly playing the team game alongside Max Verstappen.

Naturally, Perez would be targeting a midfield team for any comeback. And he’s likely to appeal given that he scored 10 podiums in the colours of Sauber and Force India/Racing Point.

The Mexican isn’t the only veteran who could return for 2026 after a year away. Valtteri Bottas is also trying to get back on the grid, though he’s remained active as the Mercedes reserve driver while Perez has stepped away.

Pato O’Ward says Sergio Perez is training for a Formula 1 return

In an interview with ESPN Mexico, Pato O’Ward, McLaren reserve driver and another of the country’s prominent drivers, was asked about a potential Perez comeback.

He suspects that his compatriot has unfinished business in F1 given the circumstances of his exit. Red Bull paid Perez off to escape his two-year contract, even though he’d only signed it six months prior.

“I know he would do it, because I think his exit from Formula 1 wasn’t what he wanted,” IndyCar driver O’Ward said. “Whether or not he chooses to return, he will be an idol. I don’t think much changes there.

Asked whether he thinks Perez will return, he replied: “Yes, because I already saw him training. He wouldn’t be training if he wasn’t going to come back.”

Team advisor Mario Andretti has previously said Cadillac could fight ‘pretty hard’ to sign O’Ward from McLaren. But he laughed off the possibility.

“That was pure smoke, pure social media,” he said. “The rumours about me going to Cadillac were like the rumours about Fernando Alonso hanging out with Taylor Swift!”

The hurdle that could stop Sergio Perez joining Cadillac

While it’s unrealistic for O’Ward, Cadillac is the likeliest destination for Perez. The American newcomers have talked about the need for an experienced driver to offer guidance.

However, Bottas is reportedly ahead of Perez in the race. The team haven’t ruled out signing two older options, but it’s more likely that they’d want a youngster in the other cockpit.

It’s said that Perez’s inactivity could hurt him in the Cadillac race. Bottas has tested for both Mercedes and McLaren this season.

Perez has also been linked with Alpine, but he’s prioritising Cadillac. Should he lose out on that seat, he might make contact with Flavio Briatore.