Sergio Perez 'in talks' with F1 team over shock full-time return to the grid

Sergio Perez is in talks for a surprise return to Formula 1 after leaving Red Bull, it has been reported.

The Mexican departed Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, despite having signed a contract extension earlier in the year.

Perez did not finish in the top five at any Grand Prix after the sixth race of the season, and pressure steadily grew on him as the campaign wore on.

His poor results meant Red Bull did not win the Constructors' Championship despite team-mate Max Verstappen winning the Drivers' Championship. They finished in third behind Ferrari and champions McLaren.

Perez scored just eight points in his final seven races of the season - though would have picked up more in Qatar if not for a late-race mechanical failure when running sixth - leading to his eventual departure.

The Mexican has been replaced by Liam Lawson, who drove for Racing Bulls in the final six races of 2024.

Now, he is in talks for a surprise return.

Spanish outlet Marca claim that he is in discussions over joining the Cadillac team ahead of their entry to the F1 grid in 2026.

It is claimed that contact has been made between Perez's team and Cadillac, with an unexpected return to F1 for the 35-year-old not off the table.

Cadillac want to bring in an experienced driver as a 'priority' as they begin their F1 project, similar to how Haas did in signing Romain Grosjean in 2016.

Reports also indicate that the US team, who are partnering with Andretti, want to sign an American driver. IndyCar star Colton Herta, who drives for the Andretti team, appears to be the most likely option if they go down that route.

Colton Herta is a leading contender to race in F1 for Cadillac in 2026 (Image: Getty)

Other American options from IndyCar would appear to be thin on the ground, with Alexander Rossi the only driver to have previous F1 experience with the Manor Marussia team.

Andretti's other drivers include the former Sauber and Caterham driver Marcus Ericsson, while former Williams driver Logan Sargeant could be an unexpected option to make a return to F1 but has moved into endurance racing for 2025.

Ericsson has confirmed he is to be involved in the F1 project - although whether the 34-year-old is considered for a race seat remains to be seen.

He told Viaplay Sports: "They have asked me to fly to England to try out different simulators.

"I will give them my opinion so they can choose the right model for the whole organisation, including Formula 1, IndyCar and sports cars."