'Sergio Perez returns to Formula 1 in 2026'

07:47, 19 Jun

Updated: 10:16, 19 Jun

byKada Sarkozi

'Sergio Perez will return to Formula 1 in 2026.' That is the case according to Carlos Slim, the Mexican billionaire, who played a significant role in Checo's career.

Sergio Perez was let go by Red Bull Racing after disappointing results in the 2024 season, and was left without a seat for the 2025 campaign.

The Austrian team first replaced him with graduating Liam Lawson from Racing Bulls, but after two weekends, he was also swapped out for Yuki Tsunoda.

After a gap year, with his contract being brought out by Red Bull earning him 13 million euros, the Mexican eyes a return to F1 in 2026.

"I know he's considering various options," Slim said according to Mexican media.

"He has the support of all of us and the fans. He has been working on his preparation and hopefully his return will happen. We would all be very happy to see it back on the track, but it's something he's now analysing."

Where could Sergio Perez end up?

Slim therefore believes the question is with which team will Perez return to the competition, and not if he returns at all. Previously, the Mexican was linked to Cadillac and Alpine.

The 11th team that are also set to begin their journey in F1 the next season, Cadillac, seem to be the most logical choice for Perez, with their presence in North America.

The Americans previously stated the former Red Bull driver is indeed one of their options, but no deal has been announced for now.

The other team, Alpine, dismissed Perez being linked to them as speculation, but he could be the ideal solution to replace an underperforming Franco Colapinto for team leader Flavio Briatore.

This article was written in collaboration with Tim Kraaij