Verstappen Congratulates Pérez on His Return to F1 with Cadillac
Sergio “Checo” Pérez is preparing for his return to Formula 1 in 2026 with Cadillac, and his former teammate, Max Verstappen, did not hesitate to congratulate him. Verstappen highlighted that the Mexican’s difficult last season at Red Bull does not define his potential as a driver. The news of the incorporation of Pérez and Valtteri Bottas to Cadillac for 2026, when the American team joins as the eleventh F1 team, generated great expectation. Pérez, after a complicated period at Red Bull and the early termination of his contract, stated that he has “nothing to prove” upon returning to the grid next year. Verstappen, in a press conference prior to the Dutch Grand Prix, expressed his joy for Pérez.Verstappen added that Pérez’s performance will depend on the car’s performance. “It’s a new opportunity and I’m sure he’s very excited.” Pérez, throughout his 14 years in F1, has achieved six victories, 39 podiums and three poles positions, most of them with Red Bull. His best season was in 2023, where he finished second in the championship. Verstappen, when asked if he thinks Pérez will return to his best level, replied: “It’s a new beginning now. I think it’s not defined by a half season… For Checo, it’s a new beginning. You’re excited, new cars, completely new as well. He has shown many good things, even before arriving at Red Bull, and during his time at Red Bull. So, you just have to get in, enjoy it again and have a good time.” The Dutch driver also highlighted Pérez’s experience in different teams and his knowledge of how they work. “He has raced for many different teams, so he knows a lot about how they work. Each team works a little differently. That’s already a very interesting characteristic.” Verstappen continued: “It’s good to understand what others are good at or where some teams are worse. That’s how it goes. Also the behavior of the cars, he has been in many different regulations, many different rule sets, some things were allowed, others not, they were banned, things like that. So, yes, having that general understanding of what a great car is like, what a car that is not fantastic is like, I think it’s very valuable for them to start”. Verstappen concluded: “He has worked with many big teams, so I hope that will give them a boost at the beginning, because it’s never easy to enter Formula 1 and be competitive right away. But we’ll see how it goes.”“When I saw the news, I sent him a message. Of course, I am very happy for him. He is a great guy and we always got along very well… I am glad to see him back on the grid.”
Max Verstappen
