Andretti: Lawson making Perez ‘look very good’ … for Cadillac

Cadillac F1 director Mario Andretti has hinted that Sergio Perez could be a strong candidate for the team’s 2026 debut, suggesting that Liam Lawson’s failure to perform at Red Bull has only enhanced the Mexican’s credentials.

Perez, who lost his Red Bull seat after a difficult 2024 campaign, is currently without a drive for 2025.

While the Mexican has indicated he will take up to six months to decide his future, speculation continues to link him with Cadillac, which will enter the sport alongside General Motors in 2026.

With Cadillac aiming to pair an experienced driver with an American rookie for its first season, Andretti acknowledged that Perez is firmly in the mix.

“It’s an option. It could be an option. Of course,” Andretti told ESPN when asked about Perez.

Despite the latter’s struggles at Red Bull, Andretti suggested that his difficult final season should not overshadow his overall experience, especially given how his replacement, Liam Lawson, has performed.

Lawson’s Red Bull Struggles Boost Perez’s Stock

Lawson was promoted to Red Bull for the 2025 season but endured a disastrous start, failing to score in the opening two races before being swiftly demoted to system team Racing Bulls.

His poor form, according to Andretti, has only strengthened Perez’s chances.

“All I can say is that Liam Lawson is making Checo look very, very good,” Andretti pointed out.

Cadillac F1 director Mario Andretti.

He also suggested that Yuki Tsunoda, who was recently promoted to Red Bull, may have been the more deserving choice from the start.

“Tsunoda, you know, I think he probably deserved that seat more than Liam. But who am I?”

Cadillac Keeping Its Options Open

While Perez is a strong contender, Andretti made it clear that Cadillac is still weighing multiple options for its experienced driver slot.

“The second driver, the second seat will definitely be an experienced driver that might be available,” said the 1978 F1 world champion. “And we all know that the selection in that regard is pretty clear.

“There may be three drivers to choose from. Three drivers realistically to choose from. And I’m not going to tell you which ones.

©FIA

“I mean, you know, you look out there and see who’s available, you know, and it’s easy. You can see who has more experience. I’m sure you want experience.

“We’re doing a lot of thinking and I don’t have the final say, but I will have some influence. Again, me, I’m not the total boss, so I don’t make the final decision.”

With the driver market still in flux for 2026, Cadillac appears to be keeping its options open – but if Andretti’s words are anything to go by, Perez’s name is certainly near the top of the list.

• Read also: Zhou hoping for F1 comeback with Cadillac in 2026

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