Sergio Pérez Embarks on New Chapter with Cadillac F1 for 2026 Season
MEXICO CITY, March 4, 2026 – As the Formula 1 paddock descends upon Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, all eyes are on Mexico’s most successful driver, Sergio “Checo” Pérez. Following his departure from Red Bull Racing at the conclusion of the 2025 season, Pérez officially begins his tenure with the newly formed Cadillac F1 team this week, marking a historic shift in the veteran’s career.
A Veteran Presence for Cadillac’s Debut
Pérez, a six-time Grand Prix winner, has been tapped by General Motors to lead Cadillac’s ambitious entry into the sport. Partnering alongside fellow veteran Valtteri Bottas, Pérez brings 281 race starts of experience to a team looking to disrupt the established order under the radical 2026 technical regulations. Despite the “new team” tag, Cadillac has been described by analysts as one of the best-prepared entries in history, leveraging extensive virtual testing and General Motors’ engineering prowess.
The move comes after a transformative period for Pérez. While his final years at Red Bull were marked by the challenge of competing alongside Max Verstappen, Pérez was instrumental in securing the 2022 Constructors’ Championship and famously became the first Mexican driver to stand on the podium at his home race in Mexico City. Now, as the “elder statesman” of the grid, his role shifts from supporting a champion to building a legacy for a new American manufacturer.
Latest Updates: Australian Grand Prix Build-Up
Heading into the race weekend at Albert Park (March 6–8), several key developments have emerged regarding Pérez and the Cadillac project:
- Ceremonial Duties: Demonstrating his cross-sport appeal, Pérez is scheduled to open a Los Angeles Dodgers game with a ceremonial first pitch later this month, highlighting the synergy between Cadillac’s American roots and Pérez’s massive North American following.
- Technical Outlook: Early reports from the paddock suggest Cadillac’s power unit integration has impressed rivals, though Pérez has cautioned that the “extreme” nature of the 2026 regulations will provide a significant reality check during Friday’s practice sessions in Melbourne.
- Grid Dynamics: While Pérez starts with a clean slate, his teammate Valtteri Bottas already carries a grid penalty into the weekend—a carryover from an incident involving Pérez himself during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Key Facts
The following data is compiled from official career records and historical statistics.
| Category | Statistic / Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sergio Pérez Mendoza |
| Nickname | Checo |
| F1 Debut | 2011 (Australian Grand Prix) |
| Grand Prix Starts | 281 |
| Grand Prix Wins | 6 |
| Podiums | 39 |
| Career Points | 1,638 |
| Pole Positions | 3 |
| Highest Race Finish | 1 (x6) |
| Current Team (2026) | Cadillac F1 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $75,000,000 (USD) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team is Sergio Pérez driving for in 2026?
Sergio Pérez is driving for Cadillac F1, a new entry to the Formula 1 grid for the 2026 season backed by General Motors.
Who is Pérez’s teammate at Cadillac?
His teammate for the 2026 season is the Finnish veteran Valtteri Bottas.
How many races has Checo Pérez won in his career?
As of the start of the 2026 season, Sergio Pérez has won 6 Grand Prix races.
What is the date of the first race of the 2026 season?
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix takes place from March 6 to March 8, 2026.
Why did Pérez leave Red Bull?
Pérez’s contract with Red Bull concluded at the end of 2025. Following a period of restructuring at Red Bull—which saw Isack Hadjar promoted to the senior team—Pérez opted to join the Cadillac project to lead their inaugural F1 campaign.