Sergio Perez could soon make his return to Formula 1: the Mexican driver is eyeing a seat at Cadillac—with the support of… Donald Trump!
Sergio Perez may have found a new home in Formula 1 with Cadillac, following his departure from Red Bull at the end of last season. The American team, set to debut in 2026, has reportedly identified the Mexican driver as the ideal candidate to lead the project, with potential political backing from none other than Donald Trump. Yes, you read that right.
While Perez’s future in F1 remains uncertain, he might not have to look far from home for his next destination. According to reports from Marca, echoed by F1inGenerale, Cadillac is seriously considering the driver for one of its seats in 2026. The operation wouldn’t just be based on Perez’s racing talent—demonstrated particularly during his stints at Sauber and Racing Point—but also on commercial and political factors.
Not Just Perez: Here’s the Other Candidate
The new American outfit, which will run Ferrari power units, aims to build its identity on a mix of experience and marketing. Perez, with his massive following in Mexico and across the Americas, would be the perfect choice to boost visibility and attract major sponsors. Alongside him, Guanyu Zhou—currently Ferrari’s reserve driver—could join the team to strengthen ties with the Asian market.
A glimpse of Zhou’s marketing power was evident at the Chinese Grand Prix, where he was welcomed as a national hero by the local crowd—an affection that certainly didn’t go unnoticed in F1’s upper ranks.
Even Ferrari celebrated the Shanghai Grand Prix with a special edition of team merchandise, highlighting how Zhou’s presence is a valuable commercial asset. The former Sauber driver, who raced in 2023, is now positioning himself as an appealing option for Cadillac.
Even Trump Wants Perez: The “Paradox”
One unexpected twist in Perez’s potential move to Cadillac is the alleged support from Donald Trump. The newly elected U.S. president has repeatedly expressed his desire to boost American industries, and motorsport is no exception. According to Marca, Trump’s Republican administration, alongside key figures like J.D. Vance, would welcome the presence of a successful Mexican driver like Perez—using his story to frame their immigration policies as pro-“hardworking individuals” rather than anti-immigrant.
At the same time, Trump’s presidency aims to crack down on criminals coming from Mexico, reinforcing strict border control policies while still acknowledging the contributions of figures like Perez—hailing from the land of mariachi.
Cadillac’s entry into F1 has already benefited from political backing within the U.S., with Republican Congress members pushing for the team to secure a spot on the grid. Adding a high-profile driver like Perez could be the cherry on top of a project that blends business, sports, and politics.
At least initially, this driver lineup seems to prioritize marketing over on-track performance—yet another example of how political and economic strategies continue to shape a sport deeply intertwined with business.
Photo: Formula 1
