Cadillac, the luxury division of General Motors, is reportedly close to announcing Sergio Pérez as its lead driver for its Formula 1 debut in 2026, according to Motorsport. The Mexican, who left RBR at the end of 2024, may have his signing confirmed before this weekend’s Dutch GP. The American team, set to become the 11th on the grid, is targeting experienced drivers to tackle the challenges of a season with new technical regulations. Pérez, with 14 years in F1, is seen as a cornerstone for the project, which will use Ferrari engines until 2028. TWG Motorsports, Cadillac’s partner, oversees operations, while the team plans to develop its own engines by 2029. The news has sparked excitement among fans and analysts, especially after months of negotiations. The choice reflects Cadillac’s ambition to make a strong entry into the sport.
Speculation about Pérez joining Cadillac gained traction in March when Mario Andretti, F1 legend and team consultant, named the Mexican as a target. Pérez’s exit from RBR, following inconsistent results alongside Max Verstappen, opened the door for this opportunity. Cadillac is banking on his experience to fast-track its development.
- Pérez’s profile: Six F1 wins, notably the 2020 Sakhir GP.
- Expected contract: Multi-year deal, potentially extending to 2028.
- Ferrari engines: Secured for the team’s initial seasons.
- New team: Cadillac will be the first grid addition since Haas in 2016.
Advanced negotiations with Pérez
Talks between Pérez and Cadillac have intensified in recent months, per paddock sources. The 35-year-old Mexican is valued for his tire management skills and experience across teams of varying competitiveness. Opting for a veteran driver aligns with Cadillac’s strategy to avoid the risks of rookies in a highly competitive grid.
Cadillac is planning a cautious yet ambitious debut. The team has invested in a new factory in Concord, North Carolina, and operates a base in Silverstone, UK. The project, led by Graeme Lowdon, former Manor boss, is backed by TWG Motorsports’ expertise from categories like IndyCar and Formula E.
Pérez’s potential signing is also a commercial boost. The Mexican draws significant sponsorship, including from billionaire Carlos Slim, and has strong appeal in Latin America, particularly Mexico, where F1 enjoys a massive following.
The race to 2026 begins. Join the journey.
— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) May 8, 2025
TWG Motorsports | @Cadillac | @GM | @F1 #F1 #CadillacF1Team pic.twitter.com/TWC78yLdKf
Battle for the second seat
While Pérez is nearing confirmation, Cadillac has yet to name its second driver. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes’ 2025 reserve, is the frontrunner, bringing 10 wins and 67 podiums. The Finn is seen as an ideal complement to Pérez, offering stability and technical expertise.
Other names in the mix include Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin’s reserve, and German Mick Schumacher, a potential test driver. Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou and American Jak Crawford were also considered, but the preference for experienced drivers seems to dominate.
- Valtteri Bottas: Leading candidate with stints at Mercedes and Sauber.
- Felipe Drugovich: Young Brazilian talent, but lacks F1 experience.
- Mick Schumacher: Likely reserve driver, with prior Haas experience.
- Jak Crawford: American prospect with slim chances for a race seat.
The second driver choice is critical for Cadillac, balancing experience with growth potential. The team is also considering TPC (Previous Car Testing) sessions with older Ferrari cars to integrate its drivers into the project.
Cadillac’s place in Formula 1
Cadillac’s entry marks the first grid expansion since 2016, bringing the team count to 11. General Motors sees F1 as a platform to showcase innovation, particularly in hybrid technology and sustainable fuels. The team aims to apply F1 learnings to its road cars, like the CT5-V Blackwing.
A partnership with Ferrari for engines until 2028 provides a solid technical foundation, while GM Performance Power Units LLC develops its own power unit, set for 2029. The FIA’s approval in May 2025 cemented Cadillac’s entry, with initial engine tests conducted during the Miami GP.
Cadillac will also heighten competition in qualifying, with six cars eliminated in Q1 and Q2 starting in 2026. The team is working to ensure its car is ready for pre-season testing in Barcelona, avoiding common newcomer delays.
Sergio Pérez’s career
Sergio Pérez, known as “Checo,” is one of F1’s most resilient drivers. He debuted with Sauber in 2011, securing three podiums in two years. A tough 2013 stint with McLaren followed, but he rebounded at Force India, earning five podiums from 2014 to 2018.
At Racing Point, Pérez claimed his first win at the 2020 Sakhir GP after a stunning recovery. This secured his move to RBR, where he raced from 2021 to 2024, winning five races and earning 29 podiums. Despite a secondary role to Verstappen, Pérez was key to RBR’s 2022 and 2023 constructors’ titles.
- F1 debut: Sauber in 2011, with three podiums in two years.
- First win: 2020 Sakhir GP with Racing Point.
- RBR stint: 29 podiums and five wins over four seasons.
Fan and paddock expectations
Pérez’s potential signing has energized fans, especially in Mexico, where he’s a motorsport icon. At Cadillac’s Miami launch, fans chanted “Get Checo!” in support, reflecting his popularity. Social media posts highlight excitement, with many praising Pérez’s consistency as ideal for a new team.
Max Verstappen, Pérez’s former teammate, publicly backed the move, noting his ability to score points reliably. Cadillac aims to leverage this popularity to attract fans in the U.S. and Latin America, where F1 is growing its audience.
Cadillac’s technical preparations
Cadillac is investing heavily for a competitive debut. Its $150 million Concord factory will focus on engine development, while the Silverstone base handles aerodynamics and chassis work. Over 300 staff, including engineers from Andretti Global and ex-Williams and Red Bull personnel, support the project.
TWG Motorsports brings expertise from IndyCar and Formula E, with Mario Andretti as a project ambassador. Cadillac is also producing a documentary with Keanu Reeves to chronicle its F1 journey, boosting global visibility.
- Investment: $150 million in the Concord factory.
- Silverstone base: Focused on aerodynamics and chassis development.
- Documentary: Keanu Reeves-led production to engage fans.
- Technical team: Over 300 staff, including F1 veterans.
