The 2026 Formula 1 season is fast approaching, and Cadillac F1 has yet to finalize its driver lineup. Amid widespread speculation, reigning F1 World Champion Max Verstappen has expressed strong support for his former teammate Sergio Perez, highlighting Perez’s consistent performance and value as a seasoned driver. Verstappen’s endorsement adds significant weight to the rumors linking Perez to Cadillac’s inaugural F1 campaign.
The Road to Cadillac’s Entry in Formula 1
The 2026 Formula 1 grid will feature a historic 11 teams, thanks in part to the addition of Cadillac F1. The team’s journey has been complex; originally launched as Andretti Global under Michael Andretti—the son of 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti—the entry faced scrutiny from Formula One Management that ultimately led to its initial rejection. This setback prompted a major restructuring, with Andretti stepping down and team backer Dan Towriss taking over leadership. Concurrently, Cadillac, a General Motors sub-brand, assumed naming rights, ushering in a new chapter for the team.</p>
The team’s official approval followed, but Cadillac has maintained a cautious approach regarding public announcements. So far, they have unveiled the official logo and secured one of their first sponsors, Tommy Hilfiger, but the driver roster remains a closely watched mystery.
Sergio Perez’s Status and Connection to Cadillac F1
Sergio Perez, a prominent name among the rumored recruits, ended his tenure at Red Bull Racing on challenging terms after the 2024 season. Despite being a consistent point scorer and valuable teammate, Red Bull chose not to renew Perez’s contract heading into 2025, which prevented him from negotiating freedoms for the following season. This contractual situation has intensified speculation about Perez joining Cadillac’s new team for 2026.
Verstappen, who raced alongside Perez at Red Bull, acknowledged Perez’s abilities while addressing the upcoming season. He stated,
“Checo has always been very strong,”
—Max Verstappen, F1 World Champion, during the buildup to the British Grand Prix.
Verstappen continued,
“Of course, he had some difficult moments with us, but as long as he has the motivation to race, I think he is a very good choice, especially for a new team.”
He also pointed out Perez’s consistent results from previous teams, saying,
“If you look at his performances at Force India and Racing Point, you will see that he always scored good points there.”
Additional Endorsements Highlight Perez’s Appeal
Support for Perez extends beyond Verstappen. VCARB rookie Isack Hadjar expressed optimism about Perez’s prospects within Cadillac F1 during media interviews leading up to the British Grand Prix. Hadjar shared,
“I’m hearing a lot of positive things about him for next year,”
and added,
“It seems like something is really going on. He clearly deserves a place there.”
He further noted,
“It’s Checo we’re talking about; he did quite well alongside Max.”
Former Red Bull Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley also lauded Perez’s skills and personality, stating,
“Firstly, I really enjoyed working with Checo. He’s a great personality, great attitude to life, full stop,”
and confirmed Perez’s race pace by saying,
“I have no doubt about his pace and his speed. It’s been natural since the beginning.”
Wheatley emphasized Perez’s strong performances, noting,
“He put in some tremendous drives at my former team and I don’t think it’s much of a barrier that he’s had a bit of time off between driving a Formula 1 car because when you know how to do that, you know how to do it.”
Uncertainty Remains as Cadillac F1’s Lineup Awaits Final Confirmation
Despite widespread endorsements, it remains unclear whether Cadillac F1 will officially sign Sergio Perez for the 2026 season. The team‘s driver lineup continues to be one of the most anticipated aspects leading into next year’s Formula 1 campaign. Given Perez’s strong backing by high-profile figures like Verstappen, Hadjar, and Wheatley, his potential involvement offers Cadillac an experienced and reliable competitor to help establish itself on the grid. As Cadillac prepares to compete as Formula 1’s 11th team, the decision regarding their drivers will significantly influence their initial impact and performance in the sport’s evolving landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet are now parents to a baby girl, their first child, as they recently announced to the public.
Q. What is the gender of Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet have shared the news of their baby daughter, Lily. Before the final race of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi, they announced they were expecting. Lily joins Piquet’s daughter, Penelope, as the younger sister.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. Kelly Piquet, his partner, is the daughter of former world champ Nelson Piquet. She has a daughter, Penelope, with her ex, Daniil Kvyat, a former F1 driver. Verstappen has formed a strong bond with Penelope. He mentioned this bond when asked if being a dad would affect his racing speed.
