Sergio Perez in talks with several teams for 2026 comeback

Sergio Perez exited F1 after arguably his most difficult year in the sport, at least from a performance perspective. Both from outside and within Red Bull, it became clear that Perez could not get to grips with the RB21.

Still, the 35-year-old insisted that he could return to F1 if the right project became available.

As it stands, multiple teams are understood to be in negotiations with Perez ahead of 2026.

Sergio Perez not only in contract talks with Cadillac

LWOS has reported extensively on the drivers in contention to join Cadillac, with Sergio Perez being a leading contender for some time.

Indeed, various outlets are discussing Perez’s chances of joining Cadillac with growing certainty.

There is no denying that he ticks several of the attributes the American outfit are looking for.

His experience, sponsorship and proven track record with midfield teams would make him a logical choice for a new team.

Of course, there are others under consideration to join the US project.

Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and even the likes of former Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti have been linked with Cadillac.

Of these names, Perez is understood to be in a relatively strong position as contract negotiations unfold.

However, nothing is set in stone, and talks are expected to continue for the foreseeable future with many drivers.

Cadillac have the luxury of being able to wait for the driver market to evolve and capitalise on any mid-season announcements and changes.

Reaching an agreement this early in the season, whilst a possibility, would be a waste of their flexible position.

Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal, has spoken candidly about the multitude of options at his disposal.

This means there is no immediate rush to make an agreement.

At the same time, the drivers Cadillac are negotiating with will also explore other options.

This might force Cadillac to move quickly if they want to secure a priority target – and Sergio Perez could fall under this category.

In addition to Cadillac, the 35-year-old, reportedly in talks with multiple outfits.

Surprises yet to come in the market

On paper, this year’s “silly season” was supposed to be more quiet than last year’s.

Most drivers have multi-year deals, keeping their positions – at least theoretically – secure until the end of 2026.

Indeed, this is the reason why Cadillac is seen as the most realistic option for those who lose their seats last year.

With that said, the first few months of the season have shown how quickly things can change.

From Red Bull’s promotion of Yuki Tsunoda to Alpine’s unusual predicament with Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto, there has already been much to discuss.

Speaking of Alpine, they are a team whose activities are worth staying updated with.

Under Flavio Briatore’s leadership, the Enstone team are more than willing to pull the trigger and make a bold signing.

Replacing Ocon with Doohan before Abu Dhabi, only to sign Colapinto on a multi-year deal in January, are recent evidence of Alpine’s unorthodox approach.

Of course, this is not to say that Perez is negotiating with the French team.

For now, it is unknown which outfits the former Red Bull driver is considering beyond Cadillac.

Still, considering Perez’s combination of experience and sponsorship, it is hardly a surprise he is on the radar of several teams.