Sergio Perez recently shared that Max Verstappen was the first driver to congratulate him after he was announced as part of the Cadillac team alongside Valtteri Bottas. This news came amid the reveal of the American racing outfit’s driver lineup for the upcoming F1 season.
Perez, who is currently without a confirmed seat for the 2025 Formula 1 grid, expressed his appreciation for the welcoming messages from fellow drivers once his move was publicized. Speaking at a Cadillac event in Mexico, the former Red Bull Racing driver noted the enthusiastic response he received from peers, including Verstappen. He said,
“Surprised with the amount of drivers I got messaged by. They seem to miss me. I will say the first one was Max [Verstappen] was straight on. Teammate [Pierre] Gasly, Franco [Colapinto], they did send a message, and we have a group where they most time put a message, so it was nice to see that they are happy to see me back.” —Sergio Perez, F1 Driver
During their four seasons as teammates at Red Bull Racing, Perez and Verstappen contributed to two Constructors‘ Championship wins for the Milton Keynes-based team. Verstappen, meanwhile, secured four Drivers’ titles in that period. The pair has maintained a respectful relationship, frequently speaking positively about one another.
Unfinished Promises: Verstappen Looks Ahead to Reuniting With Perez
In the lead-up to the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen opened up about a promise he made to Perez that he has yet to fulfill. The current four-time world champion revealed his intention to present Perez with a helmet in return for one he received from the Mexican driver, which included a heartfelt message. Verstappen shared his anticipation of crossing paths with Perez again soon, saying,
“I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing him again soon in the paddock. I still need to give him a helmet of mine – I promised him that, because he gave me one of his with a very nice message on it. I promised him, yeah, hopefully around Mexico, that I can give him mine.” —Max Verstappen, F1 Driver
Perez has been Verstappen’s longest-serving teammate at Red Bull, with their partnership once projected to be one of the longest-standing in Formula 1 history. However, Perez’s departure after the 2024 season halted this prospect. Now joining Cadillac, Perez is set to return to the grid, reigniting the chance for the two former teammates to meet once again.
What the Future Holds for Perez and Verstappen in F1
With Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 and Perez’s subsequent move to the team, the upcoming 2026 season promises renewed encounters between Verstappen and Perez, especially as the sport undergoes significant regulation changes. Their reunion could provide fresh dynamics on the grid, rekindling a competitive but respectful relationship.
Verstappen’s gesture of congratulations not only highlights the camaraderie between them but also hints at the anticipation within the paddock for Perez’s return and continued impact in Formula 1 racing. As both drivers prepare for the challenges ahead, fans can expect meaningful interactions on and off the track in the seasons to come.
