'Checo Has Always Been...': Max Verstappen Endorses Sergio Perez For Grand F1 Return

Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 10:42 IST

Max Verstappen has lauded Sergio Perez's skills despite challenges at Red Bull, suggesting he could be a valuable addition for Cadillac's debut F1 season.

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez drove for four seasons together (Picture credit: AFP)

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has said that although Sergio Perez had some tough moments with Red Bull, he is still a brilliant driver and he can be a very good hire for Cadillac, amidst reports that the new team are eyeing the Mexican driver for their debut season in F1.

Perez and Red Bull agreed to part ways at the end of 2024, having spent four years together, with the former taking some time out to assess his options before deciding he wanted a return to Formula 1.

Perez has been in contact with multiple teams, including Cadillac and Alpine. Cadillac are evaluating its drivers for 2026, with the US team reportedly edging towards talking experience.

“Checo has always been very strong. Of course, he had some difficult moments with us, but as long as he has the motivation to race, I think he is a very good choice, especially for a new team," Verstappen said via Fastest Pit Stop. 

“If you look at his performances at Force India and Racing Point, you’ll see that he always scored good points there," Verstappen added. 

Perez has a lot of experience and is one of the favourites for a seat, along with Valtteri Bottas, with the former having scored six victories, 39 points and a runner-up spot in the Drivers’ Standings two years ago.

Perez left Red Bull despite having two years still left on his contract after a tough season where he was outperformed by teammate Verstappen.

Since his departure, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have struggled to get performance out of the car in that seat, which has gone some way to putting Perez’s struggles last year into context.

Cadillac are continuing to evaluate their options for their two race seats next year, with reports suggesting that they have shrunk their shortlist down to just a handful.

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