Formula 1 News: Perez in Miami as Cadillac prepares for F1 launch

(GMM) The deal is done, according to Europe’s biggest newspaper – Sergio Perez is returning to Formula 1.

The news comes hot on the heels of Formula 1 agreeing a three-year contract extension with organizers of the annual Mexican GP.

That 2026-2028 timeframe lines up exactly with the strong rumors circulating in the Miami GP paddock about the length of Perez’s new contract with Cadillac – to debut next year as F1’s eleventh team.

Days ago, axed Red Bull driver Perez’s chief backer Carlos Slim – part of the wealthiest family in Mexico – admitted the 35-year-old was looking “for something that can excite him and that can be a challenge for him”.

6-time grand prix winner Perez is actually in Miami, where he has a residence, this week – while Cadillac is organizing a “red carpet” event on Saturday night amid rumors the 2026 Formula 1 car livery could be unveiled.

Bild newspaper, Germany and Europe’s highest-circulation newspaper, confidently declared: “We have learned that the (Cadillac) deal with the Mexican has been finalized for months.”

Journalist Enrico Ahlig, reporting from Miami, continued: “Sergio Perez brings experience and sponsorship power – exactly what a new factory team needs.

“During his time at Red Bull, he showed that, under the right conditions, he can even win races.”

April 30, 2025

(GMM) Sergio Perez is in Miami for this weekend’s Formula 1 race. Will he be announced as a Cadillac F1 driver at the Cadillac livery unveil?

On the surface, there’s nothing too significant about that, as the former Red Bull driver has a house in the vibrant coastal US city – with a blend of Latin American and American influence.

But also taking place this weekend – on Saturday – is a “red carpet event” put on by Cadillac, the all-new F1 team for 2026 and beyond.

The carmaker claims the event at Queen Miami Beach, where the Cadillac F1 livery is expected to be unveiled, will be “the cultural centerpiece of the grand prix weekend” – attended by Hollywood A-listers. Guests will get an exclusive first look at the team’s colors and livery on an FIA-created show car, similar to previous presentations by other teams, such as Audi.

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Cadillac will reveal the 2026 livery on Saturday at the #MiamiGP via @GPKingdom_GPK #CadillacF1 pic.twitter.com/xfaX0xCF7w

— Cadillac F1 Team News (@CadillacF1_) April 28, 2025

Although ousted by Red Bull for poor performance at the end of last season, Perez’s stock has since risen again given that his successors – Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda – are also struggling to match up to Max Verstappen.

The 35-year-old Mexican remains linked with billionaire backer Carlos Slim and his brands, including Telmex, while Osterreich newspaper says Perez has subsequently picked up sponsorship by Heineken.

The same Austrian newspaper claims that, apart from the event on Saturday, Cadillac and General Motors officials will be in the F1 paddock throughout the weekend.

Perez has been regularly linked with a Cadillac race seat, as have the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou, and even Mick Schumacher.

Schumacher will not be in Miami, but despite stepping back from the Mercedes reserve role, he has not given up on Formula 1. “It’s still a significant part of my career,” he said.

“If I get the chance again, I’ll take it.”

Former Racing Bulls team boss Franz Tost said: “I hope it’s not too late for Mick. With the right preparation, he would be a good choice for Cadillac.”

Even ex-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is among those not writing off a potential Schumacher comeback: “If Michael had been at his side, Mick would still be driving there today.

“The Schumacher name has enormous appeal in the USA – even more than in Europe,” the 94-year-old added. “Formula 1 could still make good use of this name.”