New information has emerged regarding the potential departure of Sergio Pérez from Cadillac, following a strong start to the 2026 Formula 1 season — his first back on the grid after spending a year without a seat following his controversial exit from Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Pérez has been the standout performer within the American team since returning to competition, and that form has apparently caught the attention of other teams in the paddock. Respected F1 journalist Diego Mejía, speaking on Sky Sports F1, provided new details about the reported interest from rival teams in the driver from Jalisco.

According to Mejía, Checo is currently being monitored by teams in the midfield of the grid, but remains fully committed to his project with Cadillac. He described Pérez as a loyal driver who genuinely wants to be part of the team's growth story, and noted that the Mexican is contributing in every way possible — both on and off the track.

It is worth recalling that Pérez himself has previously stated that Cadillac would likely be his final team in Formula 1, and that the current two-year contract he signed with the American outfit would probably be the last of his career before he eventually steps away from the sport after a long and decorated tenure at the top level.

In recent days, journalist Jym Kilian reported that more than one team has actively shown interest in Pérez ahead of the next driver market cycle, which could begin to take shape in the coming months. Among the teams mentioned, Audi has been identified as a potential suitor that may have the Mexican driver on its list of targets to evaluate.

According to that source, while Cadillac would love nothing more than to retain Pérez, keeping him could prove extremely difficult if a superior opportunity presents itself elsewhere on the grid — particularly at a team capable of offering immediately better performance than what Cadillac can currently provide. Part of what makes Pérez such an attractive option for potential suitors goes well beyond raw pace.

His commercial value is significant: the financial backing and sponsorship portfolio he brings with him make him an appealing prospect for any team looking to improve both its on-track results and its commercial position in an increasingly business-driven Formula 1 landscape. The broader context also matters.

The paddock is buzzing with rumours surrounding key drivers, including Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. Potential retirements and seat changes — among them the reported uncertainty around Valtteri Bottas, Pérez's current Cadillac teammate — could trigger a domino effect that reshapes the grid significantly. In that environment, a proven, experienced, commercially valuable driver like Checo Pérez becomes a particularly compelling name on the market.