Max Verstappen, the Dutch Formula 1 ace, has publicly thrown his support behind Sergio Perez’s bid for a seat at the new Cadillac Formula 1 team. After being replaced by Red Bull last season, Perez has been waiting for a promising opportunity to return to the forefront of motorsport, and this endorsement from Verstappen may provide the momentum he needs as Cadillac prepares to enter Formula 1.
Verstappen praised Perez’s driving capabilities and consistency throughout his career, underlining the experience Perez gained with teams such as Force India and Racing Point. This backing, coming from one of the sport’s top drivers, could be crucial in convincing Cadillac’s management to finalize Perez as part of their driver lineup.
Recognizing Perez’s Strengths and Career Consistency
Known for his bold on-track style and candid commentary, Verstappen highlighted Perez’s strengths, saying,
“Checo has always been very strong.”
—Max Verstappen, Dutch Racing Driver
This recognition is rooted in Perez’s history of consistently delivering points and podium finishes despite facing various team challenges. His ability to extract strong results has earned him respect across the paddock and reinforced his status as a competitive driver able to contribute positively to any team.
Cadillac’s Driver Lineup Decisions Remain Unsettled
Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal, has indicated that the team is taking its time to decide on the driver roster for their debut season. Speculation continues that Perez is the leading candidate for one of the seats, especially in light of Valtteri Bottas possibly exploring options with other teams like Alpine. The ongoing ambiguity emphasizes the critical nature of Verstappen’s endorsement as Cadillac weighs its choices.
Support from Former Red Bull Sporting Director Adds Weight
Jonathan Wheatley, now leading Sauber as team principal, also praised Perez’s character and track record. He noted Perez’s natural talent and his strong work ethic, stressing the positive influence Perez can have within a team environment. Wheatley’s supportive remarks add further credibility to Perez’s potential placement at Cadillac.
Wheatley commented on Perez’s professional approach and motivation, which not only benefits his own performance but also challenges teammates to elevate their own standards. Such qualities are highly desirable for a new team like Cadillac aiming to establish itself in the competitive F1 landscape.
The Bigger Picture for Perez and the F1 Driver Market
The Formula 1 driver market remains fluid, with several seats yet to be confirmed for the next season. Sergio Perez’s potential move to Cadillac, backed by Verstappen and Wheatley’s endorsements, could mark a significant turning point in his career. This opportunity may allow Perez to return to the peak of motorsport and demonstrate his skills on a fresh platform.
As Cadillac prepares to make its presence felt as a constructor, securing an experienced driver like Perez could prove instrumental in their initial progress. The combination of technical resources and Perez’s racing acumen might accelerate the team’s development and competitiveness.
Reviewing Sergio Perez’s Career and Achievements
Sergio Michel Pérez Mendoza, born on January 26, 1990, is a seasoned Mexican racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2011 through 2024. Early in his career, Perez was part of the Ferrari Driver Academy until 2012, and he achieved his first podium at the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix driving for Sauber. Despite early speculation about a Ferrari move, he remained with Sauber through that year.
Perez earned the nickname “The Mexican Wunderkind” due to his young age combined with strong performances. Later, he joined McLaren in 2013 but faced challenges with an underperforming car, missing out on podium finishes. Following a late-season replacement by Kevin Magnussen, Perez nearly lost his 2014 drive but secured a contract with Force India worth €15 million.
He stayed with Force India through its turbulent administration phase in 2018 and continued racing when the team rebranded as Racing Point in 2019. Throughout his recent seasons, Perez accumulated eight podiums, three wins, and two pole positions, securing 2nd place in the current championship standings with 285 points.
He has claimed 25 victories in 180 race starts, along with 12 fastest laps, demonstrating consistent competitiveness that remains valuable as he pursues a new team role. His experience and proven scoring ability underline why Cadillac would see him as a strategic asset for their entry into Formula 1.
Anticipating Perez’s Career Revival with Cadillac
With Verstappen’s public endorsement and support from other respected figures in the sport, Sergio Perez’s potential partnership with Cadillac appears increasingly likely. This move could redefine his career trajectory after a period on the sidelines and offer Cadillac a seasoned driver to lead their effort in Formula 1’s fiercely competitive environment.
The motorsport world will be watching closely as driver confirmations unfold, with Perez’s next chapter representing both a hopeful comeback and a significant opportunity to influence a new team’s success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a billionaire?
A. Based on multiple sources, Max Verstappen’s net worth is believed to be around $210 million.
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. Verstappen and Piquet have announced the birth of their baby daughter, Lily. They had initially revealed the pregnancy before the end of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi. Lily now joins Piquet’s family as a little sister to Penelope, Piquet’s other daughter.
Q. Is Max Verstappen’s child a boy?
A. MIAMI — Max Verstappen shared the news of his first child’s birth with his partner Kelly Piquet. On Friday, the four-time world champion posted on Instagram about their newborn daughter, Lily.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. His partner, Kelly Piquet, is the daughter of former world champion Nelson Piquet. She has a daughter named Penelope from an earlier relationship with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has built a strong bond with Penelope. He mentioned this example when someone asked if being a father could affect his racing speed.
