Checo's Cadillac Move & Verstappen Feud | Sergio Perez Biography Flash

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In the past few days, Sergio Perez, known as Checo, has been the focus of both major career news and some headline-grabbing off-track controversies. The most headline-worthy development is Perez’s official confirmation as one of Cadillac’s drivers, alongside Valtteri Bottas, for their landmark entry into the 2026 Formula 1 season. Motorsport.com detailed that the decision hinged notably on Perez’s remarkable interview with Cadillac F1 bosses, in which his motivation and leadership ambitions made such an impression that he was chosen over younger, less experienced drivers. Team CEO Dan Towriss emphasized that Perez’s clarity about his career goals and his hunger to help build a winning team ultimately sealed the deal, further cementing his reputation as a leader on and off the track. Team principal Graeme Lowdon added that signing two experienced drivers is a bold statement of intent for Cadillac, highlighting Checo’s value as both a racer and a team builder.

However, Perez’s transition hasn’t occurred quietly. The motorsports world has been lit up by a dramatic war of words between Sergio’s father, Antonio Perez Garibay, and Jos Verstappen, father of reigning champion Max Verstappen. Perez Sr., speaking through various media outlets, argued that Checo had never been given machinery equal to Verstappen while at Red Bull and implied that his son’s contributions were critical to Verstappen’s titles. These remarks quickly prompted a fiery public response from Jos Verstappen, who, as reported by Grandprix.com and beIN SPORTS, dismissed Antonio’s claims and sharply called him an idiot online, insisting both drivers always had equal equipment and that the difference was simply performance.

This public spat has reignited the larger debate within F1 about the roles of “number two” drivers on dominant teams, especially those with clear title contenders. Stories in Motorsport Week and beIN SPORTS analyzed how such debates—despite being driven by family allegiances and old rivalries—shape the narrative legacy of drivers like Perez. The controversy has kept Checo trending on social media, with much of the conversation centered on whether he was ever more than a support act to Verstappen or truly denied a bigger shot at the crown.

Amid the noise, Perez has projected calm and focus. He defended Lewis Hamilton as a “fantastic driver” in recent interviews—a gesture noted by AOL amid Hamilton’s own struggles at Ferrari this season—showing Checo’s continued diplomacy within the paddock. Meanwhile, popular F1 sites like GPBlog highlighted Antonio Perez reiterating his belief that with equal machinery, Checo would have been champion, a sentiment that’s galvanized his fan base as he prepares for his next big adventure with Cadillac.

That’s all for this episode of Sergio Perez Biography Flash. Thanks for tuning in and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update on Sergio Perez, and search the term Biography Flash for more great biographies.

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