Why Perez and not an American driver for Cadillac?

Perez's demise is well told. But all is forgiven, as nobody can drive the Red Bulls currently being campaigned, except for Max Verstappen. In fact, one could argue the Mexican veteran would've been a far better prospect than his 'replacement' Liam Lawson and current 'experiment' with Yuki Tusonda in that second car.

Thus, it is a case of unfinished business for 35-year-old Perez. A veteran of 285 Grand Prix starts, finishing 39 times on the podium, as a winner on six of those occasions. The Mexican is a better driver than at least half the drivers on the grid currently.

Hence, with his experience coupled with his inside knowledge of Red Bull's title-winning template, Perez would be an invaluable asset for most teams, more so one starting Formula 1 with a blank canvas. Such as Cadillac.

Inadvertently echoing Johnny Herbert's recent sentiments, speaking to the media team at Instant Casino, Montoya said: “I think Sergio Perez would be a great fit for Cadillac and I bet you money the next guy might be Zhou Guanyu. They would be a perfect fit. Guanyu is the Ferrari reserve.

"So, he'll be driving and developing and working. He'll know everything about Ferrari and they're going with a Ferrari engine. So, if you look at it from that point of view, it would make sense," ventured Montoya, explaining how driver/engine barter deals work in F1.

American team, American driver would also be a seemingly logical shout for Cadillac but 1999 Indycar Champion and double (2000 and 2015) Indy 500 winner, Montoya thinks not: “People say Cadillac should get an American. I think it would be crazy if Colton Herta decided to come to F1. I don't think it would be as easy as he thinks.

"For speed, I think Herda has enough speed and be good enough speed-wise to do it. But understanding going from IndyCar to this is such a different change. The shock alone of moving to Europe and a different culture would be so big that I think it would screw with his head.

“If he did do it, the chances of surviving and prospering in it would be very slim," predicted Montoya, who, after departing the USA in the wake of his Indycar title success, progressed to Formula 1, where he spent four years with Williams and one and a half seasons with McLaren.

The most likely drivers for Cadillac's Formula 1 debut in 2026 are Colton Herta and Valtteri Bottas.
Colton Herta, an IndyCar star with strong ties to the Andretti organisation, has been heavily linked to a move to F1 with Cadillac.

Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner with experience at multiple teams including Mercedes in their heyday, is also a strong contender for one of the Cadillac seats. Other potential candidates include Mick Schumacher and Zhou Guanyu. Perez to Cadillac has a more believable ring to it.