Max Verstappen Backs Sergio Perez For F1 Return With Cadillac
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Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has backed his former teammate Sergio Perez for a Formula One return with the Cadillac F1 team. The sport's eleventh team is looking for drivers to fill both seats, and Perez is one of the names being linked to the American outfit.
Cadillac received its final approval to join the F1 grid early this year, and since then, the team has been gearing up for its grand premier class racing debut in 2026. As the car takes shape along with technical and managerial advancements in the organization, the team is in talks with experienced F1 drivers.
Perez is among many drivers being linked to Cadillac, and the probability of his F1 return next year is quite high. The Mexican driver has raced for teams like Sauber, Racing Point, McLaren, and Red Bull since his F1 debut in 2011, holding a significant experience of 281 race starts. When Verstappen was asked if Perez was a good option for Cadillac, he said:
"I think so. I think Checo has always been very strong. He's had a few difficult moments with us, but on the other hand, it's clear that's often the case with us."
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing walk in the Paddock prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of...
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing walk in the Paddock prior to the Sprint ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 30, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. MoreLooking back at Perez's experience with Red Bull and Racing Point, Verstappen added:
"I always got along very well with Checo. As long as he is motivated to drive, then I think that is absolutely, even with such a new team, a good choice.
"Because if you look at how Checo drove at Force India, Racing Point or whatever you called it, he always picked up the points anyway."
Perez has revealed his interest in returning to the world of F1, but he has set a condition that needs to be fulfilled. He said:
"The answer is yes, I do want to return, but only if the right project comes along, one where I feel I truly belong or should be.
"I don't want to come back at any cost. I'm not interested in traveling around the world as a third driver or just waiting around for an opportunity.
"I feel fortunate for the career I've had, and I do want to come back - because I don't want my career to end like this.
"But I'm also fully aware that I'll only return if it's truly worth the price you have to pay to be in Formula 1 - 24 races, and an entire life dedicated to the sport."
He added:
"Yes, I believe it 100 per cent. If you look at my years with Force India, and then later with Red Bull - pushing the team forward race by race, and eventually becoming a winning team - that's exactly the kind of environment I'm looking for.
"A team with that mentality, that unity. For me, that's more important than any trophy or achievement: finding a project where the driver feels truly motivated."
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