Sergio Perez linked to F1 return with surprise team - report

Sergio Perez has held talks with the Alpine F1 team over a race seat at the team for the 2026 season. The Mexican driver departed the F1 grid at the end of last year's campaign following a difficult year at Red Bull. He has spent the time away from the sport in his home country with his family while also mulling over the possibility of returning to the grid in 2026 when fresh regulations come into play. The 35-year-old has been heavily linked with a seat at Cadillac, who will join the field next year as an 11th team. Cadillac has consistently voiced a desire to sign an experienced name to help drive car development and it is understood Perez is its first option should it go that route. However, The Race now reports that Alpine has emerged as an option for Perez for next year. The Enstone-based squad would likely be a more competitive project than Cadillac in the short term. Alpine will undergo a significant change next year as it drops its own power unit project in favour of Mercedes engines, which have been rumoured to be pick of the bunch as it stands amid a series of drastic changes to the build. The driver line-up at Alpine has also been a topic of discussion this week as Jack Doohan has been dropped for Franco Colapinto. The Argentine has been given five races before a re-evaluation ahead of the British Grand Prix. Only Pierre Gasly is locked in at Alpine next year, with Perez now seemingly sitting as a fresh option for the French manufacturer.