Sergio Perez Finds Positives in Baku Despite Missing Points

Sergio Perez had mixed feelings leaving the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While his Cadillac team didn't score any points, the Mexican driver felt it was "one of my best weekends" in Formula 1. His history in Baku as a two-time winner might have set higher expectations, but Perez took solace in his performance.

The weekend started promisingly, with Perez having his best practice sessions of the season. However, qualifying didn't go as planned, landing him in P20, compounded by a three-place grid penalty for impeding. Still, Perez found some redemption on race day, finishing P14, matching his best result of the season for Cadillac.

"I think it's been one of my best weekends," Perez said. "I drove at a high level, especially in the race, but we're still a second or two off the pace of the others." Staying competitive with the midfield, including Williams and Audi, was a testament to Perez's skill, albeit hindered by Cadillac's lack of straight-line speed due to drag.

Cadillac is still hunting for their first points in their debut F1 season, with Valtteri Bottas' P13 in China standing as their best result. With no major upgrades expected before the season's end, Perez hopes to push the team operationally for improvements, aiming to hit the ground running in 2027.

"We don't have anything new coming to the car, but I think we're improving operationally," Perez said. "We just have to keep pushing harder as a team, and things will come."

Perez's optimism is a sign of resilience, a quality necessary as he and Cadillac navigate the challenges of their maiden season.