Sergio Perez on the Verge of Formula 1 Return: Alpine and Cadillac Leading the Charge

With the rapid twists and turns of the Formula 1 silly season, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic years in the sport’s recent memory. The rumor mill is spinning fast, and one name sits at the heart of it: Sergio Perez. The veteran Mexican driver, whose stock has fluctuated dramatically after a mixed tenure at Red Bull Racing, now stands on the threshold of an F1 return—and there’s serious interest from more than one team.

While the Cadillac Formula 1 project remains deeply intriguing for Perez, Alpine has suddenly emerged as a compelling alternative. With their imminent shift to Mercedes engines from 2026, changed leadership, and a new sense of urgency, Alpine could offer Perez both a lifeline and a stage to prove that he’s far from finished at the top level.

The Alpine Opportunity: A New Era Dawning

Alpine, formerly Renault, has long struggled to convert promise into consistent performance. Key management changes, with Flavio Briatore—a master tactician with a flair for bold moves—back in a pivotal adviser role, have signaled a more aggressive approach. The French team’s imminent switch to Mercedes power units from 2026 provides a fresh technological platform, and with substantial new funding in the pipeline, Alpine appears determined to break away from their frustrating midfield purgatory.

But as always, the team’s driver lineup is under scrutiny. Franco Colapinto, once heralded as the next big thing, has faced mounting criticism due to costly crashes and inconsistent form. His arrival at Alpine—already under question following Jack Doohan’s departure after a harrowing crash at Suzuka—has not sparked the revival many hoped for. With pressure building and F1’s ultra-competitive environment leaving no room for sentiment, Flavio Briatore is renowned for his ruthless focus on results rather than hype.

This is where Perez fits in. Alpine, keen to stabilize and energize their team with proven performers, sees an opportunity to snap up a seasoned winner—someone who brings both racecraft and, crucially, massive financial support. Perez has long been backed by Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim and companies like Telmex, making him a rare blend of marketing gold and capable hands behind the wheel. For a team like Alpine, which needs both cash and class, this is almost too tempting to ignore.

The Perfect Storm: Perez on the Market

Despite playing a key role in Red Bull’s recent dominance—as the first teammate to secure P2 in the drivers’ championship alongside Max Verstappen—Perez’s time at Milton Keynes was always overshadowed by his clear “number two” status. While he outperformed legendary teammates like Mark Webber in terms of championship finish, Perez never truly managed to escape Verstappen’s shadow or consistently match his pace.

Persistent rumors about the so-called “second seat curse” at Red Bull have not been dispelled by the struggles of his successors, most notably Liam Lawson, who was dropped after just two races, and even Yuki Tsunoda. Many question if the car’s development philosophy simply makes it notoriously difficult for anyone not named Max Verstappen to get the most out of it.

In Alpine, Perez would likely encounter a much more neutral environment. Both drivers receive equal treatment until one asserts themselves as the clear team leader—an approach that could benefit Perez. In a pairing with Pierre Gasly, another Red Bull alumnus, Perez could rely on his race experience, tire management, and maturity to anchor a resurgent Alpine into the new turbo era.

The Question of Cash: F1’s Eternal Dilemma

Let’s not mince words: Formula 1 is as much about business as it is about raw speed. As much as teams pride themselves on performance, the reality is sponsors and financial clout matter immensely—especially for teams outside the podium regulars. For Alpine, recruiting Perez is not just about his track record; it also opens the door to the sizeable commercial backing he commands.

Estimates put the annual figure Carlos Slim and his associated companies are willing to invest to keep Perez on the grid as high as $30 million. For a manufacturer team looking to fund technical upgrades and staff expansion, that’s a game-changer. Alpine’s management is acutely aware that with Perez on board, not only does the repair bill go down—as he’s a relatively safe pair of hands—but the team’s annual spend could go up just from his sponsors’ checks.

The Cadillac Factor: American Ambition

Meanwhile, Cadillac’s much-hyped Formula 1 entry looms large as an alternative for Perez. A new team always brings growing pains, but Cadillac offers Perez a blank slate—a chance to shape an operation from the ground up, much as Fernando Alonso did in 2003 when he joined Renault. The American giant also appreciates Perez’s potential impact on North American markets, especially with F1’s popularity booming post-Drive to Survive.

Cadillac is weighing its options, especially with Colton Herta delayed by super license issues and uncertainty surrounding its second seat. For a squad seeking to hit the ground running, the combination of Perez’s experience and commercial appeal could be a natural fit. It’s also well understood in the paddock that Perez’s presence is key to keeping the Mexican Grand Prix on the calendar, an event that means millions in revenue for both the sport and the host nation.

Decision Time: What’s Next for Checo Perez?

As the 2026 regulations draw closer, the clock is ticking for Perez—and for the teams vying for his signature. With Alpine integrating Mercedes engines and looking to start fresh, and Cadillac seeking experienced hands for their maiden campaign, Perez holds enviable cards.

He also controls his own destiny in a way he never did at Red Bull. Both teams promise the chance to compete without being pigeonholed as a number two, and with Alpine appearing steadier with Mercedes power—and, potentially, a teammate in Gasly of proven yet slightly less star power—Perez may see this as his ideal next chapter.

Wherever he lands, one fact is undeniable: Sergio Perez remains one of F1’s most marketable and capable drivers. In a sport where talent and money are equally prized, his comeback story could be just beginning.