Performing well since his return to F1, Sergio Pérez is of interest to Williams. But Cadillac seems absolutely unwilling to let the Mexican go.
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Back on the Formula 1 grid in 2026 after a season away, Sergio Pérez quickly established himself as one of the pillars of the new Cadillac project. Despite the logical difficulties faced by a rookie team, the Mexican’s performances have attracted attention.
His experience is also a strong argument. Having notably been with Red Bull, where he won several Grands Prix and contributed to the Austrian team’s successes, Pérez has valuable expertise to support the development of a new structure.
In recent weeks, however, his name has been linked to Williams. A possibility that Cadillac’s management does not seem to take very seriously.
Pérez, an essential element of the Cadillac project
Rumors about Williams come as Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have both hinted that they might explore other options after a particularly difficult start to the 2026 season for their team.
Cadillac is also experiencing a challenging first campaign and is still waiting for its first point in Formula 1. The American team believes it has nevertheless made significant progress in its operations and the development of its car.
For Marcin Budkowski, recently appointed head of the team, having drivers as experienced as Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas is precisely a considerable advantage.
“Checo has been a real asset to the team, and both drivers have been, to be honest”, explains Budkowski. “There has been a lot of talk about our decision to choose two very experienced drivers, but I think it is essential in a young team like this to bring that experience and stability.”
According to him, pairing a rookie driver with a structure that is itself discovering Formula 1 would have multiplied the unknowns.
“If you have a driver learning at the same time as the whole team, that creates too many variables.”
Pérez also pushes Cadillac behind the scenes
Pérez’s contribution is not limited to his on-track performances. Budkowski also emphasizes his involvement in Cadillac’s development and the demands he places on the entire structure.
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“He not only drives exceptionally well, he also pushes the team very, very hard behind the scenes. That’s what you expect from a driver like him, who has spent several years at Red Bull and worked with the best.”
An attitude that the Cadillac leader considers perfectly compatible with the ambition expressed by the new team.
“I think that’s exactly the mindset we want to have, and it’s also the one I will bring. So I am sure we will be completely aligned on this approach and this desire to move forward.”
However, Budkowski preferred to leave it to Dan Towriss, Cadillac’s general manager, to respond directly to speculations surrounding the Mexican’s future.
Cadillac does not believe in a move to Williams
Towriss was particularly categorical. In his view, the rumors sending Pérez to Williams are absolutely not a cause for concern.
“Checo has been a tremendous asset to the team. He has driven very well and has clearly pushed us very hard”, he emphasizes.
The executive mainly expresses his confidence regarding the continuation of their collaboration.
“I am very confident that Checo will stay at Cadillac and we are not distracted for a single second by the rumors about Williams.”
“We have enormous confidence in this relationship and I am convinced you will continue to see him behind the wheel of the Cadillac in Formula 1.”
This stance leaves little room for doubt: despite Williams’ supposed interest, Cadillac intends to keep Sergio Pérez and continue to rely on his experience to advance its Formula 1 project.
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