Perez adds surprising second team to F1 comeback talks

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After taking a break from Formula 1 this season, Sergio Perez is wasting no time laying the groundwork for a potential comeback—and he’s now reportedly holding talks with not just one, but two F1 teams about a 2026 return.

While Cadillac has long been seen as the most likely destination for the six-time Grand Prix winner, The Race has reported that Perez’s entourage met with Alpine team boss Flavio Briatore during the Miami Grand Prix weekend to explore a second opportunity.

In Magic City, Cadillac F1’s glamorous bash at the very exclusive Queen Miami Beach hotspot was a love letter to Perez’s fanbase, with the Mexican driver’s supporters converging just outside the Japanese steakhouse chanting for his comeback.

Team advisor Mario Andretti has hinted at Perez as a prime candidate for their 2026 debut, his experience and commercial pull – bolstered by billionaire Carlos Slim Domit’s backing – making him a strong option.

Cadillac F1 team boss Greame Lowdon with Valtteri Bottas.

However, Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon is facing a tough task in landing a marquee name due to many current drivers being tied up in long-term deals.

“If I find a project that motivates me fully to come back, where the team believe in me and where they appreciate my career, my experience and everything I can bring to a team, it would be very attractive to consider it,” Perez told F1.com, laying out his conditions for a return.

Alpine Offers Short-Term Edge

Alpine, despite not having Perez at the top of their list, is reportedly open to signing the experienced driver if other options don’t pan out.

The factory-backed team is seen as more competitive in the short term, something that may appeal to Perez as he weighs legacy against long-term potential.

Interestingly, Carlos Slim Domit was also present in Miami for high-level discussions, underscoring the serious intent behind the comeback efforts.

Flavio Briatore on the grid in Miami.

While his priority is to return Perez to the grid, Slim is also reportedly evaluating support for Alpine’s potential long-term prospect, Argentine rookie Franco Colapinto, who is currently being tested while Jack Doohan is benched for six races.

With multiple talks in motion, Perez appears to be carefully positioning himself for a strategic return. Whether he opts to lead Cadillac’s F1 charge or slide into a more competitive Alpine seat, one thing appears to be clear: Checo isn’t done with Formula 1 just yet.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.