Formula 1: 3 possible Andretti Global drivers for 2026

Potential Andretti Global Formula 1 drivers: No. 2 – Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez has had an extremely difficult 2023 Formula 1 season, perhaps one of the most baffling and downright disappointing campaigns by a driver in years.

The Mexican started the season with two victories in the first four races. Since then, however, his season has looked similar to that of a derailed runaway train, only worse.

While teammate Max Verstappen won a record 10 races in a row, and 12 of the last 13 to this point, Perez only scored five podium finishes during that stretch and recorded six finishes outside the top five. He has also had many clumsy incidents, most notably with Alex Albon in Singapore and Kevin Magnussen in Japan.

His form in 2023 has led to rumors regarding his future not just at Red Bull, but in Formula 1 altogether. While he has a contract that runs until the end of 2024, it is seemingly becoming more and more likely that he may not even stick around until then, especially if the words of advisor Helmut Marko are anything to go by.

"“You must not forget: I brought Perez into the team back then. But that’s simply the fate with Verstappen that he’s suffering now. That was already the case with (Pierre) Gasly. From that point of view, Perez needs a change of climate and team. Now we’ll see how the next two races go. But the team and he are aware that he is in a crisis.”"

In Perez’s defense, driving for Red Bull against a generational talent in Verstappen is bound to create issues for any driver. With that in mind, it’s very unfair to take his stint at Red Bull and completely tarnish his image with it.

It’s easy to forget the quality and talent that Perez possesses. After all, he scored several podium finishes for Sauber, Force India, and Racing Point, and he was often known as Formula 1’s “tire whisperer” for the way he could manage his tires.

While driving for Racing Point, now known as Aston Martin, in 2020, the Mexican finished in fourth place in the championship, ahead of then-Red Bull driver Alex Albon, despite missing two races, and he won his first race in the Sakhir Grand Prix after coming from last place on the opening lap.

It’s performances like that one, and even a few he has had while at Red Bull, that make him an attractive option for almost any team on the grid, including Andretti. He would bring over more than a decade’s worth of experience to a brand-new team, would serve as a great team player, and would be a major mentor if given a young teammate such as Colton Herta.

That’s not to mention the commercial value he would bring in the form of sponsorship, plus tons of Mexican fan support.