Second F1 team emerges as potential Sergio Perez return destination

Popular F1 star Sergio Perez has been out of the sport this year, but has now been linked with multiple teams as talks of a return grow stronger.

The Mexican driver was dumped by Red Bull at the end of last season after four years driving alongside Max Verstappen, having fallen well off his team-mate's pace.

However, the recent performances of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull car alongside Max Verstappen have improved Perez's standing in the sport, shining a different light on his dismal 2024 performances.

It has led to rumours that Perez could be a sought-after driver for 2026, with new regulations making it crucial for teams to have a stable driver lineup.

The outfit most strongly linked with acquiring Perez's services have been new team Cadillac, who are said to be seeking at least one experienced F1 racer for their first season in the sport in 2026.

Now, however, respected F1 pundit Lawrence Barretto has suggested that the Mexican racer could instead join a current team on the F1 grid, with Alpine reportedly holding talks with the 35-year-old.

"Perez took some time out with his family to evaluate his options and he ultimately realised he wanted back in," Barretto said in a column on the official F1 website. "So he and his management began exploring the market.

"My sources tell me the Mexican has spoken to multiple teams, including Cadillac and Alpine, about a return to a race seat next season. Perez is hungry to get back on the grid and it is that motivation that could be very appealing to teams in need of a driver."

READ MORE: F1 champion Fernando Alonso reveals 'important' factor as star quizzed on retirement

Will Perez race in 2026?

Perez and his management team have made no secret of his desire to return to the sport, and he appears at the front of a long line of recently axed drivers that are also looking for a way back into the sport.

Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu and Mick Schumacher have also been linked with a move to the new Cadillac team, but Perez's recent role within a championship-winning team makes him the frontrunner.

However, could Alpine sweep in for the Mexican? The team's driver lineup is uncertain for 2026, with only Pierre Gasly nailed on to be at the team when new regulations sweep into the sport.

Jack Doohan was axed earlier this season and replaced by Franco Colapinto, but executive advisor Flavio Briatore has suggested that the move is one of several potential switches in 2025, as the team try to find the right combination.

Bottas recently revealed that he held talks with Alpine last year, but Perez would surely be the Enstone outfit's favoured choice, if they can tempt the Mexican to take a gamble on their future improvement.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton F1 team-mate opens up on 'very dark' Ferrari situation

Related

Canadian Grand Prix

F1 Practice Today: Canadian Grand Prix 2025 start times, schedule and how to watch live on TV

• Today 03:00

Formula 1

Red Bull star 'not good enough' as title hopes forgotten

• Yesterday 19:00