Perez is 'in consideration' but still no deal with Cadillac.

      "Everyone is eager to drive for Cadillac."

      Sergio Perez has not yet finalized an agreement with Cadillac. During his first appearance in a Formula 1 paddock for 2025 in Miami, the former Red Bull driver was rumored to be in talks for a three-year return to the grid next year with the new Cadillac team. However, Sky Italia reporter Roberto Chinchera stated, "There are speculations, but nothing has been signed yet. Checo is among the list of potential drivers, but currently, it doesn’t seem to be a priority for the group." Cadillac is set to host a red-carpet event on Saturday where the 2026 F1 livery is expected to be unveiled, but other reports suggest that Perez, 35, will not have any official involvement. Team principal Graeme Lowdon remains unfazed by the ongoing speculation surrounding Perez. "In the last few months, I've learned a lot, and one of those lessons is that everyone truly wants to drive for Cadillac," he joked. "In all seriousness, we have a clear idea of what we need, and we’re in the final stages of discussions regarding driver candidates. Our current focus is on creating something for the drivers to race." He added that part of this focus includes getting to a test circuit with some type of car "to engage the mechanics." "At some point, we will begin testing on a track to give our engineers an opportunity to become familiar with one another and start integrating the drivers with the team," Lowdon mentioned. Although it won't be the 2026 car, he revealed that a prototype has been completed at the factory. Regarding Perez, Mathias Lauda, son of Niki Lauda, observed that even though the Mexican lost his Red Bull seat due to underperformance, his value has increased following recent developments. "Even though the car performed better last year, it must be noted that Perez wasn't as poor as was thought," Lauda said in an interview with Osterreich newspaper, referencing the struggles of Perez's successors Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in 2025. "That's why he now has a solid chance of returning to Formula 1 with Cadillac."