Sergio Perez is back in Formula 1 with Cadillac, demonstrating his skill and reaffirming his status among the elite drivers. Despite early challenges, Perez sees promise in the team's progress and aims for operational improvements.
Sergio Perez is settling back into the Formula 1 world with Cadillac, the newly minted team for the 2026 season. After a year away from the grid, Perez has returned with a point to prove, and he's convinced himself—and perhaps others—that he's still a top-tier driver. "I'm happy I came back," he said, reflecting on his performances that have shown he's among the best in the sport.
Perez found himself without a seat after Red Bull released him at the end of 2024, but Cadillac offered a fresh opportunity alongside seasoned veteran Valtteri Bottas. The American brand, new to F1, initially took its place at the back of the pack, but recent upgrades in Miami have propelled them closer to the midfield. Perez, in particular, has been taking the fight to more established teams.
At the recent Canadian Grand Prix, Perez led Cadillac's charge with grit and determination. He narrowly missed out on advancing to the second phase of Sprint Qualifying and finished 11th in the Sprint race, though a post-race time penalty slightly marred his efforts. His aggressive strategy on soft tyres and a few spirited duels highlighted his weekend.
Unfortunately, a suspension failure ended Perez's Grand Prix prematurely, just as he was giving Haas's Esteban Ocon a run for his money. Despite the setback, Perez remains upbeat about his and Cadillac's overall performance. "I’m very happy with my performances," he declared after the race, satisfied with his level of driving.
The recent upgrades have brought a wave of optimism. "I think we’ve done a massive step," Perez noted. "This has been our most competitive weekend so far, so there are plenty of positives to take."
However, all is not perfect in Cadillac's camp. Perez is urging the team to tidy up their trackside operations. "I’m impatient with the operational side," he admitted, pointing out that the team isn't maximizing its potential due to various technical glitches. "We’re making progress on performance, which is very positive, but operationally we are lacking tremendously," he stressed, highlighting the urgency to improve as they head into the European leg of the season.
Looking ahead to the Monaco Grand Prix, Perez remains hopeful. "Monaco is Monaco," he mused, acknowledging the unique challenges of the street circuit. "It’s a one-off, so hopefully we can be really strong there."
With a mix of confidence and realism, Perez's journey with Cadillac is set to be one of the more intriguing narratives of the season.