Sergio Perez may return to Components 1 in 2026 to affix the nascent Cadillac operation, based on the group’s advisor Mario Andretti.
The 1978 world champion has been appointed a director on Cadillac’s F1 board and his job duties embody looking two drivers for its Ferrari-powered automotive subsequent yr.
Andretti confused that Normal Motors is searching for an skilled driver to guide its line-up and help its high-profile entry into the top of motorsport.
He defined that the group has already shortlisted three drivers for the challenge, however stopped wanting revealing when a ultimate choice might be made.
“The second seat will certainly be for an skilled driver that may be obtainable,” the 85-year-old advised ESPN.
“Everyone knows that the choice in that respect is kind of clear. Perhaps three drivers realistically to select from, I am not going to inform you which of them.
“I want I may inform you this however that is one thing that we’re maintaining very non-public on our personal as a result of we do not need to give somebody some hopes in some areas the place perhaps it is not going to occur.”
Will Sergio Perez return to F1 with Cadillac?
Perez has been out of drive since he was dropped by Pink Bull on the finish of final season.
The Mexican beforehand said that he would take a sabbatical for six months earlier than deciding the following step in his profession.
Many see the 35-year-old as a perfect candidate for Cadillac, having scored six wins and 39 podiums since he made his F1 debut with Sauber in 2011.
Requested if Perez and Mick Schumacher – one other ex-F1 racer with no grand prix seat – are contenders for a Cadillac seat, Andretti mentioned: “Completely. These are all choices.
“You have a look at who is on the market and you may see who has essentially the most expertise. You need expertise for certain.
“I haven’t got the ultimate say however I’ll have some affect. We converse on a regular basis [with the team] [and] all of us wish to be on the identical web page.
“I am not the entire boss so I do not make the ultimate selections, however I believe they may take heed to me.”
Perez performed a key position in Max Verstappen’s title bid in 2021 and in addition helped Pink Bull win back-to-back constructors’ titles in 2022-23.
When Pink Bull axed him from its line-up final season, it referred to his lack of ends in 2024 as a justification.
Nevertheless, his substitute Liam Lawson struggled much more to adapt to his new environment at Pink Bull this yr, resulting in strategies that there are deeper points stopping Verstappen’s teammates from succeeding in F1.
Andretti mentioned Lawson’s plight within the early races of 2025 exhibits how good a job Perez was doing in a automotive that was changing into more and more troublesome to drive final yr.
“All I can say is that Liam Lawson is making Checo look very, superb,” mentioned Andretti.
“The younger lad is having some actually large issues adjusting to the automotive and perhaps Yuki [Tsunoda] must be in that place. Assume he in all probability deserved that drive greater than Liam.”
