
Formula E Chief Longo Extends Open Invitation to Sergio Perez
Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo has reiterated his wish to bring Sergio Perez into the electric racing series, calling it a "homecoming." He argues Perez would be highly competitive in Formula E, where driver skill can outweigh car performance differences more than in F1, as the Mexican prepares for his 2026 return with Cadillac.
Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo has publicly expressed his desire to see Sergio Perez compete in the all-electric championship, calling it a potential "homecoming" for the Mexican driver. This comes as Perez prepares for his Formula 1 return with the new Cadillac team for the 2026 season.
Why it matters:
Longo's comments highlight the ongoing cross-pollination of talent and interest between Formula 1 and Formula E. For a driver like Perez, who is entering a new chapter with an unproven F1 manufacturer, Formula E could represent a viable and competitive alternative should his F1 future become uncertain, offering a series where driver skill is often seen as a more decisive factor.
The details:
- Longo stated he has "always wanted" Perez in Formula E, noting the driver's professionalism and his father's long-standing support for the series.
- He positioned Cadillac, which will enter Formula E as a manufacturer, as a "rival to watch," acknowledging their new status while framing Perez as a key asset.
- A central point of Longo's pitch is the perceived difference in car dependency between the two series. He argued that in Formula E, a driver depends less on having the absolute best machinery to be competitive compared to Formula 1.
- Longo also emphasized the strong fan connection in Mexico, where Formula E races at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to large crowds, which could appeal to Perez's home-market appeal.
The big picture:
Perez is currently focused on his high-stakes return to Formula 1 with Cadillac, aiming to rebuild his reputation after a difficult final season with Red Bull. Longo's remarks serve as a public reminder of Perez's value in the global motorsport market beyond F1. They also underscore Formula E's strategy of attracting established names from the pinnacle of motorsport to boost its profile and competitive credibility, creating a potential safety net or future opportunity for drivers in career transition.