Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar surprised reporters by revealing he’s “hearing a lot of positives about Perez returning to the grid” in 2026, emphasizing that the Mexican driver “is definitely F1 calibre” and that “it’s looking like there’s something going on” behind the scenes.

Despite exiting Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season and spending time on the sidelines, Perez’s reputation appears to have rebounded. Comparisons to the struggles of Red Bull’s current lineup, particularly Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, have cast Perez’s past performances in a more favorable light, with insiders noting his consistent points scoring as Max Verstappen’s teammate.

Perez, a six-time race winner, has kept himself in the conversation, recently confirming he is only interested in a “project that motivates me fully to come back” and that several teams have approached him regarding 2026 options.

Cadillac’s Debut, Strategy, and the Value of Veterans

Cadillac’s entry to Formula 1 for 2026 has sparked much intrigue about its lineup strategy. While the team has yet to make any official announcements, rumors suggest Perez is a top target, with the experience and commercial appeal critical to the American brand’s debut campaign.

Not only does Perez bring 281 career race starts and a proven ability to develop new teams, but he also possesses significant marketable value through his Latin-American fanbase and sponsorship connections, including ties to billionaire Carlos Slim.

Hadjar is not alone in his assessment. Max Verstappen himself recently endorsed Perez as “a very good choice, especially for a new team”, noting his reliable points scoring for midfield teams like Force India and Racing Point.

Speculation also persists that Cadillac is considering a blend of veterans and emerging talents for 2026—the likes of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have been linked as potential teammates, underscoring the emphasis on experience and stability as core ingredients for the team’s launch.

No Imminent Decision—But Signs Point Toward a Perez Return

Although Cadillac’s leadership is taking time before confirming its drivers, the volume and positivity of rumors have sharply increased in recent weeks. Hadjar’s “insider” perspective, coupled with Verstappen’s public backing and Perez’s own strategic patience, add credibility to the belief that negotiations are advancing. Perez’s criteria—a motivating project, respect for his experience, and a chance for renewed purpose—appear well aligned with what Cadillac could offer.

For now, fans and the F1 paddock alike are left to watch as one of the sport’s most experienced and resilient figures weighs his next move—potentially as the headline signing for a bold new American F1 project in 2026.