Sergio Perez’s 2026 season has taken a dramatic turn. What began as a return to Formula 1 with renewed optimism has instead become a scramble to find stability. Reports from Autosport reveal that the Mexican driver is already exploring a move to Williams for 2027, should the opportunity open up.
Perez re-joined F1 with Cadillac for 2026 after parting with Red Bull at the end of 2024. The team made a bold move by pairing him with Valtteri Bottas, but it has backfired spectacularly. Cadillac's MAC-26 has been plagued by poor performance and reliability problems. Over the first 11 Grands Prix, Perez has already recorded four DNFs, and the team has yet to score a single point.
The situation has become so dire that Perez's camp is actively reaching out across the paddock for alternative options. A return to Williams is being floated as a possible solution, but it’s not in their hands.
Carlos Sainz's Uncertain Future
Perez's potential move to Williams hinges entirely on what Carlos Sainz does next. Sainz arrived at Williams for 2025 with clear objectives and delivered two podiums that helped the team finish fifth in the Constructors’ Championship. But 2026 has been a disaster. The FW48 is late, overweight, and uncompetitive.
Williams team principal James Vowles has openly admitted that 2026 is a write-off. Sainz is under contract until the end of this season, but his future beyond that is uncertain. If he walks, Williams needs a seasoned replacement—and someone like Perez would fill that role perfectly.
Perez's management team is watching the unfolding drama closely. They have held preliminary discussions with Williams, and while no concrete deal is in place, they are keeping their options open. If Sainz leaves, a seat will become available. If not, the plan may shift.
For now, the paddock is waiting to see how the pieces fall into place. Perez’s camp has no intention of waiting out another year of uncompetitive machinery and will act if a viable path opens.