Sergio Perez Inks New Contract…But It’s Not What You Might Expect
Sergio Perez has signed a fresh contract, but it’s not with a Formula 1 team it’s with a major sponsor. The Mexican driver has extended his partnership with Heineken 0.0, the alcohols free beer brand, as announced via a promotional social media video.
After stepping away from Formula 1 at the end of the 2024 season, Perez was replaced at Red Bull by Liam Lawson. Lawson’s stint didn’t last long, as Yuki Tsunoda took over the seat after just two races in 2025. Despite his absence from the grid, the six-time Grand Prix winner, now 35, has hinted that he’s considering a full-time return to racing in 2026. He’s keeping his options open and has said he’ll take some time before making a final decision.
In the meantime, Perez has stayed in the spotlight through his offtrack ventures. His new deal with Heineken 0.0 was made public with a video showing a massive building mural bearing Perez’s signature. The post, shared by Heineken Mexico, featured the slogan: “The best driver always chooses Heineken 0.0,” alongside a note that Perez exclusively drinks alcohols free beer.
Return to the F1 Grid Still on the Table?
While Red Bull boss Christian Horner has previously stated that Perez technically remains on the team’s driver list, a return to a race seat with the championships winning team appears unlikely. However, Perez, along with his father and management team, continues to express optimism about returning to the F1 grid in 2026.
That possibility has grown with the upcoming entry of an 11th team next season Americans based Cadillac. The addition of two new seats has opened the door for experienced drivers like Perez, Valtteri Bottas, and potentially even fan favorite Daniel Ricciardo to make comebacks.
Perez’s hopes were further boosted when Mario Andretti, a key figure with Cadillac, softened earlier comments suggesting one of the team’s drivers must be American. In fact, Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon recently confirmed that discussions have taken place with several drivers, Perez included fueling speculation about his F1 future.
As Perez continues to evaluate his options, his presence in highs profile sponsorships keeps him relevant in the sport’s ecosystems both as a marketable figure and a serious candidate for a potential 2026 return
