Mario Andretti has revealed Sergio Perez “could be an option” for Cadillac as he reiterated the team’s desire to sign a driver who has previous experience in Formula 1.
Perez has been consigned to experiencing a period on the sidelines in 2025 as a disastrous campaign last time around culminated in Red Bull electing to release him.
The Mexican, who had been with Red Bull since 2021, expressed that he would take up to six months to decide whether he wishes to pursue a comeback to the sport.
However, rumours have persisted that he is open to a return with Cadillac, the General Motors-backed squad which will become the latest addition to the grid in 2026.
With Cadillac’s arrival coinciding with sweeping new technical rules being introduced, Perez’s vast race-winning pedigree has seen him touted as a suitable candidate.
Asked whether Perez is among the names under consideration, Andretti, an advisor to Cadillac’s venture, told ESPN: “It’s an option. It could be an option. Of course.”
Andretti has indicated that Cadillac harbours no reservations about Perez’s arduous ending to his time at Red Bull amid the troubles his successor has since endured.
Liam Lawson was chosen to replace Perez in the place alongside Max Verstappen, but the Kiwi’s scoreless start has seen him be demoted two races into the season.
“All I can say is that Liam Lawson is making Checo look very, very good,” Andretti highlighted.
“[Yuki] Tsunoda, you know, I think he probably deserved that seat more than Liam. But who am I?”
Cadillac weighing up three experienced names
However, Andretti has admitted that Cadillac is weighing up numerous options when it comes to the established name that it intends to place alongside an American.
“The second driver, the second seat will definitely be an experienced driver that might be available,” the 1978 F1 champion insisted.
“And we all know that the selection in that regard is pretty clear.
“There may be three drivers to choose from. Three drivers realistically to choose from. And I’m not going to tell you which ones.
“I mean, you know, you look out there and see who’s available, you know, and it’s easy. You can see who has more experience. I’m sure you want experience.
“We’re doing a lot of thinking and I don’t have the final say, but I will have some influence. Again, me, I’m not the total boss, so I don’t make the final decision.”
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