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Perez's father expects F1 return for Sergio: But where would that be?
- Ludo van Denderen
Antonio Perez Garibay is certain: Son Sergio is going to return to Formula 1. Indeed, his son's best is yet to come, believes the ever-positive Perez Sr. But on which team would that be?
Sergio Perez managed to crown himself vice world champion in Formula 1 once (2023), well behind his teammate Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. If Perez's best is yet to come, it would mean the world drivers' title - and nothing less than that. To have any chance of that at all, Perez has to drive for one of the top teams in the sport.
No place at the top for Perez anymore
Given Perez's performance last season at Red Bull Racing, it is almost impossible to imagine a team like McLaren or Ferrari attracting the Mexican for a race seat - certainly not anytime soon. If there was any interest from F1 for Perez at all - with the emphasis on 'if' - he should reckon with at best a place in the middle of the pack.
But Williams is full for the next few years, Haas has brought in Ocon and Bearman for several years, Aston Martin is not going to knock on Perez's door as Alonso's successor and Alpine has drivers to spare. Of the current F1 teams, only Audi would remain, but why trade a young talent like Gabriel Bortoleto for a driver on his way out (i.e. Perez)? Hulkenberg is also fixed for 2026.
Cadillac perhaps an option
The only option for Perez could be the Cadillac team; an American squad hoping to be admitted to the F1 grid for good in 2026. Besides an American driver (Colton Herta, ed.), Cadillac wants to attract an experienced F1 driver, and Perez meets that criterion. Moreover, Perez also provides sponsorship income, surely a perk for taking him.
But surely Cadillac needs a start-up period to be competitive in Formula 1, so Perez then driving around in the rear is more than realistic. If that's a prospect Perez fancies at his age (then 35)? And before Cadillac can compete for podium spots, we could just be years away, with the chance that Perez has long since retired.
All in all, there is surely a slim chance for Sergio Perez to return to Formula 1. But that the best is yet to come? That seems mostly a statement from a proud father hoping for more than is probably possible.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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