Why Perez's F1 return makes perfect sense for 2026?

The 2024 season was one to forget for the Mexican driver. Around the Canadian Grand Prix, he was given a contract extension, only to be let go by the end of the season.

Talking to Mexican media, Carlos Slim, a Mexican billionaire who played an important role in Perez's career, is also confident of his return. So, why could the fans of 'Checo' look forward to his next step positively?

Perez currently has two options present for a full-time seat for next season. GPblog could previously report he is in the picture for Cadillac, with the Mexican being on their list.

By some, Perez was expected to be announced as a Cadillac driver already in Miami, but as GPblog could report at the time, that did not take place.

A conversation also took place between the driver and Alpine, which was requested by Perez.

What plays in Perez's favour is that he has already proven himself in the midfield battle. In his second season already in F1, he delivered in a Sauber, finishing just behind Fernando Alonso at the second Grand Prix of the season in Malaysia. He then achieved a further two podiums in Canada and Italy.

After a disappointing season at McLaren, Perez bounced back with consistent results for Force India. He finished on the podium during the third Grand Prix of the 2014 season in Bahrain as well.

When figures like Marko mention they ended up choosing Perez over Nico Hulkenberg, there is a reason for that. The Mexican earned a victory and further five podiums for Force India/Racing Point.

Only once a teammate of Perez scored more points than him: in 2014, Hulkenberg. Until being paired up with Max Verstappen, Checo remained undefeated in that regard and delivered podium finishes when it was possible as well. So he has the perfect pedigree for these jobs.

Moreover, in light of the current performances of the drivers alongside the four-time world champion, in retrospect, Perez was not as disappointing as believed.

In 2021, although not to the same extent, there were calls for another driver to be replaced at a top team with a young talent: Valtteri Bottas.

The Finnish driver ended up being replaced by George Russell for 2022, similarly to how Perez was let go for Liam Lawson.

Bottas is the other experienced figure looking to return as a full-time driver in 2026 with two more seats being available. What favours Perez is the large following and sponsors in North America, that would be useful for both Cadillac and Alpine.

On the other hand, Bottas has more recent experience in participating in the midfield battle, having driven for Alfa Romeo/Sauber from 2022 until 2024. There, the Finn could show why in his group, he is a worthy driver of a seat as well.

After a great intake of rookies in 2025, other than Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad, there are no drivers who are expected to make a step up from F2 either for next year.