Sergio Perez’s hopes of returning to Formula 1 have been handed a big boost when a team chief acknowledged he is being ‘evaluated’ for a seat.
Perez is spending this season on the sidelines having been sacked by Red Bull at the end of 2024, but is far from done with the sport.
And after it was announced that the Mexican is on a three-man shortlist being considered for a slot at Cadillac, which will be the eleventh team on the grid next year, he received some hopeful news.
“All I can tell you is that he’s definitely one of the drivers that’s being considered,” stated Cadillac advisor Mario Andretti during an interview with Fox Sports Pit Talk.
“He has to be. I cannot divulge as to where we are with any commitment whatsoever.
“I think we want to keep that luxury to ourselves until we feel that we have scanned the entire spectrum of availability, I think that’s a prudent thing to do.”
Cadillac chief reveals ‘conversations’
The 85-year-old admitted that there are not many high-profile names to choose from, but is confident that the team will make the right choice.
“The choice is somewhat limited,” he said. “Let’s face it, a lot of the great talents are already under contract.
“Fortunately, still there are a few out there… three or four; I’ll say maybe three that certainly deserve consideration, and all of this is being looked upon very seriously.
“There are some conversations going on somewhere and in some other place, that’s as much as I can tell you to be fair to everyone.”
Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas and former Red Bull star Daniel Ricciardo have also been mentioned as potential options.
Whether the team chooses to trust at least one rookie or two seasoned drivers behind the wheel is still up in the air.
Colton Herta, an IndyCar racer, is one of the favourites, and team principal Graeme Lowdon has stated in the past that he would prefer to see one American driver on the grid.
