Pit Debrief has learned that Sergio Pérez has not signed a contract with Cadillac F1 for 2026 after reports earlier this week suggested he had already done so.
While the 35-year-old is a very strong candidate for next year and potentially beyond that, Cadillac are still weighing up their options as a number of former F1 drivers look to get back on the grid next year. They become the sport’s 11th team in 2026.
Sergio Pérez vindicated by Red Bull struggles as Cadillac F1 seat a strong possibility for 2026
The Mexican driver and six-time race winner took a lot of criticism for his performances in the Red Bull through 2023 and last year. He did finish 2nd in the standings two years ago, although the gap to the Dutchman was 290 points.
However, as time has passed, it has become very clear how difficult the Red Bull has been to drive unless your name is Max Verstappen. Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have found that out in 2025.
Pérez even revealed at Monza last year he got an apology from Red Bull engineers after his concerns about the car were not listened to.
The rather quick downfall of the Milton Keynes-based team on and off track means Sergio Pérez is in a very strong position regarding 2026 F1 contract talks with Cadillac. His struggles with the car were certainly not the problem. The speed he had did not disappear overnight.
As he showed at Sauber and Force India/Racing Point, he is capable of getting very good results in midfield machinery.
While he is extremely likely to get one of the two seats as things stand, nothing has been signed as of today.
The other candidates
Valtteri Bottas
Another multi-time winner in Valtteri Bottas is a second massive name to be in the mix for a Cadillac F1 seat in 2026. The Finn returned to Mercedes as a reserve driver this year. Gabriel Bortoleto got the nod over him at Sauber for 2025.
A winner of 10 F1 races, Valtteri Bottas has also finished 2nd in the Drivers’ Championship like Sergio Pérez. In his case he also went up against a true legend of the sport, Lewis Hamilton. Ultimately he lacked that last 1 or 2 percent required to be a World Champion.
What could throw a spanner in the works here is Alpine, however. The Enstone-based squad has shown interest in the Finn. Both Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto have struggled in the second seat in 2025. The car has not been particularly fast or easy to drive, it must be added.
Should the Finnish driver end up an in Alpine before the end of 2025 and stays on there beyond it, it could open the door for what many would view as a current outsider.
Zhou Guanyu
The Chinese driver was also dropped by Sauber at the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season. This was not a particular surprise as Zhou Guanyu struggled massively in qualifying last year. He did score their only points in Qatar, nonetheless.
Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon is his manager. Inevitably he will be in the mix until a decision is made.
Should he miss out and stay at Ferrari as a reserve driver, Cadillac could easily call him up for a race if one of their drivers misses an event for whatever reason. They will be using Ferrari power units when they enter the sport next year.
Mick Schumacher
Speaking to the Brazilian part of Motorsport.com at the latest round of the World Endurance Championship at Interlagos last weekend, Mick Schumacher confirmed talks have been held with Cadillac regarding a 2026 F1 drive.
The 26-year-old has been driving for Alpine in WEC since the beginning of 2024. He has secured three podiums alongside his teammates over the last year and a half.
Schumacher dropped off the grid at the end of 2022 after two campaigns with Haas. Although he got stronger as that season went on, some big crashes and not capitalising when the car was at its fastest earlier in the season was enough for him to be dropped.
Considering the performances Nico Hülkenberg went on to produce, it was the correct decision.
Right now, the German would be seen as an outsider for the seat. Pérez and Bottas are favourites for the 2026 Cadillac F1 seats.
However, do not rule Mick Schumacher completely out yet.
No Colton Herta
Andretti IndyCar driver Colton Herta will be staying in the North American series for 2026. Alongside the super licence points issue, it has been a tough campaign for the 25-year-old.
He has been let down by his team on a number of occasions. However, Herta has made the odd mistakes and lacked pace himself. Teammate and three-time winner in 2025 Kyle Kirkwood has been the benchmark at Andretti this year.
Time will tell if Dan Towriss feels one of his drivers from Andretti in IndyCar is good enough for F1. It won’t be happening in 2026, though.
