Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez could be poised to replace George Russell at Mercedes as sensational theory sees the Mexican linked with a move to the Silver Arrows as he bids to return to the Formula 1 grid.
After dramatically being axed by Red Bull at the end of 2024, closing out a four-season run with the team, the 35-year-old is now plotting his next move to break back into the sport.
With notable financial power, he has been linked with the new Cadillac project as they aim to get up and running before partnering with General Motors in 2028; but could they miss out on their man?
Reports suggest Toto Wolff could be looking to line Perez up as he finds himself linked with a move to Mercedes to replace George Russell: But how could that actually happen?
Brackley’s Austrian team principal sees Checo as an ideal option provided two conditions occur: Max Verstappen joins Aston Martin instead of his team, and Russell departs to join Red Bull.
The 53-year-old would opt for the man from Guadalajara in that scenario as an ideal number two partner to Kimi Antonelli, their highly talented, but still very green, rookie. Perez would bring the senior input and leadership the teenager lacks.
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And the theory could have life behind it. The 26-year-old Brit has held talks with Christian Horner about a switch to Milton Keynes; and a disgruntled Verstappen is said to have a £1 billion/$1.33bn offer on the table from Aston Martin.
Likewise, as per Motorsport.com, Perez has had initial talks with Mercedes about the role. Wolff particularly likes his car development and team play as two standout qualities.
It should be remembered that whilst his time with Red Bull ended with his reputation and confidence in tatters, Perez does have six Grand Prix wins and 39 podiums to his name from 281 race starts. Highly experienced, he is quick in the right conditions.
Do Mercedes have a rival? Sergio Perez linked to Alpine
Mercedes might not be alone in their pursuit of Perez either, who appears to have caught the eye of Flavio Briatore at Alpine as they try to figure out their long-term driver plan.
Franco Colapinto replaced Jack Doohan at Enstone following the F1 2025 Miami GP, held in Florida at the Miami International Autodrome, but only has a five-race contract before review.
Doohan, from Australia, has been retained as the reserve driver and works alongside Ryo Hirakawa, Paul Aron and Kush Maini – all in the same role. Such a number on the roster is far from a vote of confidence in their own talent pool.
So, could Perez be an option for the Italian who developed Michael Schumacher? He will add the aforementioned leadership and has well-documented success in the sport since 2011.
On top of this, he also brings a lot of money. Famously backed by the billionaire Carlos Slim, he has a deal with Telmex as well as the likes of Disney, Nestle, ESPN and McDonalds.
Telmex reportedly paid $100m/£75m to Red Bull from 2021-24 and as per The Race, Perez is already in talks with Alpine. Could he be key to keeping the French team in the sport by financially satisfying their turbulent Renault owners?
