Max Verstappen expressed his excitement for Sergio Perez’s Formula One comeback with Cadillac for the 2026 season. Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen revealed he immediately messaged Perez to congratulate him. This development follows Perez’s departure from Red Bull in 2024 after a performance dip, marking a fresh chapter for the Mexican driver.
The International Automobile Federation announced on August 26, 2025, that Perez, alongside Valtteri Bottas, will race for Cadillac, Formula One’s 11th team debuting in 2026. Perez, 35, previously partnered with Verstappen at Red Bull from 2021 to 2024, achieving six race wins and a runner-up finish in the championship in 2023. However, his form slumped in 2024, resulting in an eighth-place finish, which led to his exit.
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez make their return to Formula 1 in 2026! 👏✨
With 527 races between them, Cadillac announce their driver line-up for their inaugural season 🤝#F1 pic.twitter.com/XAFGUGV46f
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 26, 2025Verstappen shared his support, stating, “I’m very happy for him. He’s a great guy, and we’ve always got along well.” He emphasised that Perez’s performance will depend on Cadillac’s car competitiveness, adding, “It’s a new opportunity, and I’m sure he’s excited.”
Read: Max Verstappen Eyes Fifth Straight F1 Title in 2025
At Red Bull, Perez struggled as Verstappen dominated, winning four consecutive titles through 2024. Perez’s successors, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, also faced challenges, scoring only seven points combined since Perez’s departure, compared to Verstappen’s 187 points and two wins. Verstappen noted that Red Bull’s car is tailored to his style, making it tough for teammates.
Cadillac Formula 1 debut, led by legends.
Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez and Valtteri Bottas are announced as @Cadillac_F1 team, making a pitstop at NYSE.@SChecoPerez | @ValtteriBottas | @F1 | @Cadillac | $GM pic.twitter.com/qIrAWf2QPk
— NYSE 🏛 (@NYSE) August 28, 2025Verstappen praised Perez’s resilience, saying, “One bad season doesn’t define what you can do.” Perez’s pre-Red Bull career included podiums with teams like Racing Point, showcasing his talent. Verstappen added, “He just needs to enjoy it again and have a good time.” This fresh start with Cadillac offers Perez a chance to rediscover his form.
