A surprising development in the world of Formula 1 suggests that veteran driver Sergio Perez could make an unexpected return to the grid in 2026, with an iconic championship-winning team reportedly showing significant interest.

Perez, who previously parted ways with Red Bull Racing at the close of the 2024 season despite a contract extending to 2026, has consistently been a subject of intense speculation regarding his future in motorsport.

His departure from Red Bull, while perhaps not entirely unforeseen given his performance at the time, has seemingly not diminished his appeal to other teams within the highly competitive F1 paddock.

While other drivers like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda also faced their own challenges, the decision to release Perez ultimately left a void that now appears to be attracting considerable attention from other constructors.

Notably, reports have long indicated that Cadillac has maintained a keen interest in the Mexican driver since his Red Bull exit, consistently viewing him as a prime candidate for their potential future F1 entry.

However, new whispers emanating from Mexico, specifically from journalist Adal Franco on ESPN MX, suggest that Williams Racing, a team with a storied history boasting nine constructors’ titles, has added Perez to their shortlist of options for the 2026 season.

This potential acquisition of the 35-year-old Sergio Perez by Williams would undoubtedly spark considerable discussion, particularly given the team’s recent high-profile signing of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari to partner Alex Albon.

The prospect of Perez joining forces with a team of Williams’ caliber, aiming to climb back to the forefront of the grid, highlights the enduring value and potential impact he is perceived to bring to any Formula 1 outfit.