Sergio "Checo" Pérez is reportedly set for a sensational return to the Formula 1 grid.
Multiple sources have confirmed that the Mexican driver has reached a definitive agreement to join the new Cadillac team for the 2026 season.
The deal, which will see the former Red Bull star end his year-long sabbatical, is expected to be officially announced in the coming weeks.
Pérez, 35, has been without a race seat for the 2025 season after leaving Red Bull at the end of 2024.
Despite his absence from the paddock, his name has been consistently linked with a return, with the new Andretti Cadillac team always emerging as the most likely suitor.
The American team, which is preparing for its inaugural F1 season in 2026, has been on the lookout for a driver with a specific profile: a race-winning veteran who can help with car development and provide invaluable feedback as the sport enters a new era of regulations.
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Pérez, a six-time Grand Prix winner with a reputation for excellent tyre management and car development from his time at Force India and Racing Point, fits this profile perfectly.
The move also reportedly comes with significant financial backing from Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, making it a lucrative and strategic partnership for both sides.
An official announcement is now eagerly awaited.
While some sources suggest the news could drop during the F1 summer break, others are pointing to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September as the most likely date for the formal confirmation.
With Pérez's seat seemingly secured, the focus for Cadillac now shifts to finding his teammate.
The team's original plan was to pair an experienced driver with a young American talent, but recent reports have suggested they are now looking for a second experienced driver.
Names like former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas and Germany's Mick Schumacher are among the candidates reportedly being considered for the second drive.
For Sergio Pérez, this marks a remarkable comeback and a chance for redemption after a difficult final year at Red Bull.
For Cadillac, it's a significant statement of intent, securing a proven race-winner to lead their charge into the world of Formula 1.