F1 driver who was brutally sacked 'in talks' for stunning return to the sport with surprise team

A fan-favourite Formula One driver who was sacked could be set to make a shock return to the sport with a surprise team.

With only 20 seats available on the current grid, Formula One can be a truly brutal sport, where only the world's best drivers can hold down a seat.

Because of this, some drivers are brutally sacked once their form starts dipping or it becomes clear that they aren't good enough for the team.

But there is one driver that fans were truly gutted to see leave the sport who could be set to make a massive return with a shock

For the 2026 season, the F1 grid will expand as Cadillac will join the sport and become the 11th team, creating space for two more drivers.

Since the announcement of Cadillac's impending arrival, several names have been linked with the Cadillac seats, including the popular former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez.

However, a new report from The Race has revealed that Cadillac are not the only Formula One team considering offering Perez a seat for the 2026 season, as Alpine are also weighing up bringing the Mexican back to F1.

Perez was sacked by Red Bull at the end of last year’s season following a drastic dip in form in his final two years driving alongside teammate Max Verstappen.

Since then, the 35-year-old has reportedly been enjoying some time away from the sport, while considering if he will return when the new regulations are introduced next year.

Sergio Perez left Red Bull's Formula One team at the end of last season. (Image: Getty)

If he does decide to return to the grid, then it is likely that Alpine would be a better short-term option for the Mexican given the teams experience compared to newcomers Cadillac.

However, the French teams recent decision to brutally part ways with Australian driver Jack Doohan and team principal Oliver Oakes could be enough to sway Perez towards Cadillac, who reportedly view Perez as their ideal candidate to enter F1 with.

Across his career, Perez has started 281 Formula One races, winning six and claiming a spot on the podium in 39, racking up an impressive career points total of 1638.