Cadillac rules out Williams move for Sergio Perez as Budkowski praises Mexican driver

Cadillac rejects Sergio Perez exit rumours

Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski has dismissed speculation that Sergio Perez could leave the new Formula 1 operation for Williams, insisting the Mexican driver remains a vital part of the team’s 2026 campaign.

That form prompted rumours of a potential move to Williams, where the futures of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz are described as uncertain. However, Budkowski made clear that Cadillac sees Perez’s experience as a strategic asset rather than a short-term convenience.

His comments underline the importance of continuity for a team still establishing its foundations, an issue explored in Cadillac’s ongoing F1 infrastructure build-up.

Perez’s role extends beyond the cockpit

Budkowski also described a revived version of Perez compared with the driver whose Red Bull spell ended with his dismissal at the end of 2024, followed by a sabbatical last year. The team boss said Perez has been central to the development push surrounding Cadillac’s MAC-26, drawing on his six grand prix wins and 292 starts.

“He’s not only been driving exceptionally well, but he’s been pushing the team very, very hard in the background,” Budkowski added. He said that mindset was precisely what Cadillac wanted as it continues to develop and learn.

Towriss reinforced the message, rejecting any suggestion that Williams had distracted the team or altered its plans.

“I’m very confident that Checo is going to remain with Cadillac and we’re not distracted by the Williams rumours for a second,” he said. “You’re going to see him piloting the Cadillac F1 car.”

For now, Cadillac’s position is unequivocal: Perez’s value lies not only in his qualifying advantage over Bottas, but also in the experience and development pressure he brings to a debutant team still chasing its first points.