BREAKING:Another Formula 1 team linked as a potential landing spot for… read more 

Sergio Perez is making headlines once again in the Formula 1 world as speculation grows over a possible return to the grid in 2026. The experienced Mexican driver was dropped by Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season after a four-year tenure alongside reigning champion Max Verstappen. Although Perez’s form in 2024 fell significantly short compared to his teammate, recent developments may have sparked renewed interest in his talents.

The performances of Red Bull junior drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull seat this year have inadvertently cast Perez’s prior efforts in a more favorable light. This shift in perception has prompted teams to reconsider his potential value, particularly in light of the upcoming 2026 regulation changes. These changes, which will reshape much of the sport’s technical landscape, are expected to heighten the importance of having experienced, stable drivers behind the wheel. As a result, Perez has emerged as a potential target for several teams seeking to bolster their lineups.

Initially, the most prominent link was to the incoming Cadillac F1 team. Set to debut in 2026, Cadillac is reportedly eager to secure at least one seasoned driver to guide them through their maiden campaign. Perez, with years of experience and recent exposure to a championship-winning environment, naturally fits that profile. However, it now appears that Cadillac may not be his only option.

Renowned Formula 1 commentator and pundit Lawrence Barretto recently revealed that Alpine is also in talks with Perez. Writing in a column on the official Formula 1 website, Barretto shared that Perez took time off after his Red Bull exit to reflect with his family before ultimately deciding he wanted to continue racing at the highest level. His management team has since begun contacting various teams, including Cadillac and Alpine, to explore possible seats.

Barretto emphasized that Perez’s passion for returning to Formula 1 could prove very attractive to teams seeking both skill and motivation in their drivers. Alpine, in particular, may have a significant interest. Their current driver situation for 2026 remains fluid, with Pierre Gasly being the only driver currently expected to stay with the team when the new regulations are implemented. The team’s other recent driver, Jack Doohan, was dropped earlier this season and replaced by Franco Colapinto. However, Alpine’s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, has hinted at further changes for 2025 as the team aims to find a stronger lineup.

While other drivers such as Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and Mick Schumacher are also reportedly in contention for the Cadillac seat, Perez stands out due to his recent experience with a top-tier team. Nonetheless, Alpine may provide him a more competitive platform, depending on how the team’s development trajectory shapes up. Should they manage to convince Perez of their long-term vision, he could very well choose to bet on their resurgence rather than join a newcomer like Cadillac.