Sergio Perez has a plethora of options for the 2026 Formula 1 season as he eyes his comeback to the grid.
The Mexican was dropped by Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, despite having a contract that ran until 2026. Perez claims that Red Bull regret dropping him, but given his struggles, it would have been perplexing to see the team keep him over Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, who have also struggled.
The 35-year-old has taken a year out of racing in 2025, looking towards 2026 for a return. This may be a difficult ‘hurdle’ for Perez to overcome when finding a race seat, given that other drivers are either racing in different categories or are serving as F1 reserve drivers.
Grand Prix281Wins6Podiums39Pole Positions3Fastest Laps12Points1638Championships0Sergio Perez’s F1 career stats
Nevertheless, he is not shy of suitors for next season. Cadillac have been pursuing Perez since his Red Bull exit, with F1’s 11th team considering him as one of their top candidates for 2026.
Alpine have also been interested in the Mexican as the Enstone outfit assesses what to do with Franco Colapinto. It has even been reported that Perez has been linked with Mercedes, although it would be a huge surprise to see Toto Wolff sign him over George Russell or Kimi Antonelli.
Now, rumours coming out of Mexico suggest that another team could enter the race to sign Perez for next season.
Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesSergio Perez is now a surprising ‘dark horse’ to sign for Williams in 2026
Speaking via the ESPN MX YouTube channel, journalist Abal Franco revealed that Perez is now emerging as a ‘dark horse’ to sign for Williams. The Grove outfit, who have won nine constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ championships, have reportedly joined the ‘list of suitors’ that the 35-year-old has.
“I did want to tell you something I found out about Checo Perez while on vacation,” said Franco.
“We have to add, I don’t know if it’s a dark horse, but they’re telling me the same thing again, that there are several options in Formula 1.
“Of course, there’s the Cadillac deal, there’s the Alpine deal, which is very strong. But there’s talk of a dark horse that could also have options in the future, as one of the options in the range of possibilities, and it’s Williams.
“Be careful, because there could also be an option for Checo within that range of possibilities. I’m not putting him there, far from it, but it adds to the list of suitors for the Mexican.”
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Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty ImagesCarlos Sainz is growing frustrated with Williams amid Sergio Perez links
A move to Williams for Perez would come as a surprise, especially given that the team have recently welcomed Carlos Sainz from Ferrari to partner with Alex Albon.
Both drivers are signed to long-term contracts, but Sainz has not been enjoying a strong season in 2025 compared to his teammate. Albon has 54 points to the Spaniard’s 16, who is struggling to get accustomed to his new team’s surroundings.
CategoryAlex AlbonCarlos Sainz2025 points4613Grand Prix results83Grand Prix qualifying75Grand Prix wins00Grand Prix poles00Grand Prix podiums00Best finish5th8thRetirements13Fastest laps00Grand Prix points finishes75Sprint results20Sprint Qualifying20Sprint wins00Sprint poles00Sprint podiums00The 2025 F1 teammate head-to-head battle of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
Sainz says Williams have not been good enough operationally in 2025, lamenting ‘silly problems’ that have cost him. His frustrations could lead to an opening for Perez, although that is pure speculation at this point.
However, Sainz is free to leave Williams after 2026 if he so desires. Therefore, it is possible that the Mexican could sign with the Grove outfit, but if he wants a seat for next year, Cadillac and Alpine are his only plausible options.