Formula E's Longo: 'If Checo comes to our category for a year, he'll be coming home'

Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo has publicly courted Sergio 'Checo' Perez, stating the Mexican driver would be 'coming home' if he ever joined the electric championship. Longo emphasized that Formula E, where the car is less decisive than in Formula 1, could be a perfect fit for Perez to showcase his competitive edge.

Why it matters:

Longo's comments highlight the ongoing crossover interest between Formula 1 and Formula E, especially for drivers at career crossroads. For Perez, who is returning to F1 with Cadillac after a difficult final season at Red Bull, Formula E represents a potential future destination that leverages his family's existing ties to the series and could offer a more driver-centric competitive environment.

The details:

• Direct Appeal: Longo told AS Mexico, "I've always wanted him. If Checo comes to our category for a year, he'll be coming home — he's a professional, and his father has been supporting us."
• The Car Factor: A key part of the pitch is the difference in machinery dependence. Longo noted, "In Formula 1, a driver depends heavily on the car; in Formula E, not so much. If Checo is given a competitive car, he will be very competitive."
• New Rivalry: With Cadillac entering Formula E, Longo sees Perez's new F1 employer as a future rival, stating they are "starting from scratch to gain experience" in the electric series.
• Mexican Market Success: Longo praised the fan support at the shared Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, revealing Formula E races there draw 40-50,000 spectators and that the Mexican public set a record entry for the category last year.

The big picture:

Perez is currently focused on his F1 comeback with the Cadillac project for 2026, partnering with Valtteri Bottas. His quiet exit from Red Bull after a challenging season contrasted sharply with teammate Max Verstappen's success. Longo's remarks serve as a reminder of the alternative pathways available to established F1 drivers and Formula E's desire to attract top-tier talent with global appeal, particularly in key growth markets like Mexico.

What's next:

Perez's immediate future is in Formula 1 with Cadillac. However, Longo's open invitation keeps the door ajar for a potential move later in his career. His performance in the new Cadillac F1 project will likely influence his options, but the established fanbase and competitive structure of Formula E could make it an attractive 'homecoming' if he seeks a new challenge beyond F1.