max verstappen en sergio perez bij red bull

Verstappen endorses 'very strong' ex-Red Bull teammate Perez for 2026 Cadillac drive

10:26, 12 Jul

byHidde Korte

Max Verstappen has stated that former Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez would be a strong option for Formula 1's newest team, Cadillac.

The Mexican driver left Red Bull at the end of 2024 after a tough year with the Milton Keynes based team.

Since his exit, two drivers have occupied the second Red Bull seat. Liam Lawson lasted two races and was then replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who is yet to catch many eyes with his performances.

At the British Grand Prix, the four-time world champion was asked if Perez would be suitable for Cadillac. The Dutchman certainly recommended his former teammate to the American team.

"Checo has always been very strong. Of course, he had some difficult moments with us, but as long as he has the motivation to race, I think he is a very good choice, especially for a new team."

'If you look at his performances at Force India and Racing Point, you will see that he always scored good points there."

Perez's first Formula 1 victory came with a fairytale performance at the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020. Unfortnatley for the Mexican, world championship success never came at Red Bull.

With huge Latin American backing and a heap of talent, Cadillac could see Perez as a viable option to fill one of the two seats for the American team in 2026.

Is Perez himself open to a move to Cadillac?

Sergio Perez was recently asked whether he would be interested in a move to the Cadillac F1 team. The Mexican driver gave a clear response—he would be open to it. Meanwhile, Sauber team principal Jonathan Wheatley, who previously worked with Perez at Red Bull, also weighed in on the rumours.

While the speculation continues, it may still be some time before Cadillac officially announces its driver lineup.