Perez is in Miami as Cadillac gets ready for the F1 launch.

      "The cultural highlight of the grand prix weekend"

      Sergio Perez is in Miami for this weekend’s Formula 1 event. On the surface, this seems unremarkable, as the former Red Bull driver has a residence in the lively coastal city that showcases a mix of Latin American and American cultures. However, also occurring this weekend—on Saturday—is a "red carpet event" organized by Cadillac, the new F1 team set to debut in 2026 and beyond. The car manufacturer asserts that the gathering at Queen Miami Beach, where the Cadillac F1 livery is anticipated to be revealed, will serve as "the cultural centerpiece of the grand prix weekend," attracting Hollywood celebrities.

      Despite being dropped from Red Bull due to underwhelming performance last season, Perez's prospects have improved as his successors, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, have also struggled to keep pace with Max Verstappen. The 35-year-old Mexican is still associated with billionaire sponsor Carlos Slim and his brands, including Telmex, while an Austrian newspaper indicates that Perez has recently secured a sponsorship deal with Heineken. The same publication reports that Cadillac and General Motors officials will be present in the F1 paddock throughout the weekend, in addition to the event on Saturday.

      Perez has often been linked to a potential race seat with Cadillac, along with other drivers such as Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou, and even Mick Schumacher. While Schumacher will not be in Miami, he has stepped back from his role as a Mercedes reserve but remains committed to Formula 1. "It’s still a significant part of my career," he stated. "If I get another opportunity, I’ll seize it."

      Former Racing Bulls team principal Franz Tost expressed hope for Schumacher: "I hope it’s not too late for Mick. With the right preparation, he would make a good option for Cadillac." Even former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone is not dismissing the possibility of Schumacher's return: "If Michael had been alongside him, Mick would still be racing today. The Schumacher name holds tremendous appeal in the USA—more than in Europe," the 94-year-old pointed out. "Formula 1 could still benefit from this name."