In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Sergio “Checo” Pérez has re-emerged on the racing scene, reportedly joining Cadillac for the 2026 season. The Mexican driver, who stepped away from the grid in 2025 after a tumultuous exit from Red Bull, is set to make a sensational comeback with the American outfit, a decision that has ignited fierce debates across the online community. Announced on March 31, 2025, this development marks a pivotal chapter in Pérez’s storied career and has fans, analysts, and detractors clashing over its implications.
Pérez’s departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024 came after a lackluster season where he struggled to match the blistering pace of teammate Max Verstappen. Despite securing six career victories and playing a key role in Red Bull’s 2022 and 2023 Constructors’ Championships, his form dipped, culminating in an eighth-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship. Red Bull opted to replace him with Liam Lawson, leaving Pérez without a seat for 2025. Many speculated that his F1 journey might be over, but rumors of a return began swirling as Cadillac, set to join the grid as the sport’s 11th team in 2026, expressed interest in an experienced driver to anchor their debut.
The confirmation of Pérez’s signing with Cadillac has split the internet. Supporters argue that his wealth of experience—14 years in F1 with stints at McLaren, Racing Point, and Red Bull—makes him an ideal fit for a fledgling team. “Checo knows how to build a team from the ground up,” one X user posted. “He’s been through the midfield grind and can guide Cadillac to respectability.” Others point to his resilience, noting how he bounced back from near-retirement in 2020 to join Red Bull. F1 legend Mario Andretti, an advisor to Cadillac, reportedly endorsed the move, praising Pérez’s professionalism and racecraft.
However, the decision has its critics, and the online backlash has been intense. Some fans question whether Pérez, now 36, still has the speed to compete in a sport increasingly dominated by younger talent. “He couldn’t keep up with Max—how’s he going to lead Cadillac anywhere but the back?” one skeptic tweeted. Others argue that Cadillac should have opted for a fresh face, accusing the team of playing it safe rather than taking a bold risk. The controversy deepened when reports surfaced that Pérez’s team had been in talks with Cadillac shortly after his Red Bull exit, fueling speculation of behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
Cadillac’s entry into F1 as a Ferrari customer team already had the community buzzing, but Pérez’s arrival has turned it into a lightning rod. Will he silence the doubters and cement his legacy, or will this be a final misstep in a career of highs and lows? As the 2026 season looms, the online arguments rage on, with Checo Pérez once again at the center of the F1 storm.
