Sergio “Checo” Pérez is back at the center of the Formula 1 spotlight with a direct message for those questioning his return. The Mexican driver, confirmed as one of the main faces of Cadillac’s 2026 project, firmly responded to predictions that place him among the last on the grid in this new chapter.

Amid an atmosphere of expectation and doubt surrounding the American team, Pérez made it clear that his comeback is not merely ceremonial. “Enjoying this return to Formula 1 doesn’t mean I’m going to stroll around on Sundays,” he stated, emphasizing that his motivation is to compete and make progress from the very beginning.

The Mexican knows Cadillac will face a major challenge in its debut season. However, his focus is on development and the possibility of building a competitive path, even if the start proves difficult. “For me, it’s crucial to have that motivation that we’re making a lot of progress,” he added, pointing out that the goal is to move forward step by step.

Pérez’s remarks come after several outside comments about the team’s real potential in 2026. Some drivers and analysts have already made predictions about where Cadillac could finish in its first season, and among them was Esteban Ocon, the current Haas driver.

The relationship between Pérez and Ocon has history. Both were teammates at Force India during the early years of Pérez’s career in the category, in a partnership marked by sporting tensions that carried on over time. That’s why it didn’t go unnoticed that the Frenchman was one of the first to label Cadillac as a possible backmarker in the championship.

In that context, Pérez took the opportunity to send a general message to the paddock. His phrase was aimed not only at predictions, but also at rivals who are already counting him out before the season even begins. For the Mexican, the idea is clear: he returned to compete, not to fill a spot without ambition.

The 2026 season will officially begin on March 8 in Australia, and Cadillac’s debut will be one of the most closely watched storylines. With a brand-new project and an experienced driver pairing, the team will try to build from scratch on an increasingly competitive grid.

Pérez, with more than a decade in Formula 1, arrives with a long track record and the intention of proving that he can still be a contender. His message was straightforward: this return is full of ambition, even if the process takes time.

In that way, the Mexican driver laid out his stance ahead of the season opener: Cadillac is starting a new era, and Checo has no intention of approaching it from a passive role within the Grand Circus.

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