Sergio Perez has expressed concerns regarding Cadillac’s performance in the current Formula 1 season, stating that the team has faced “a lot of disappointment” and has not “improved as much as we hoped.” This reflection comes after Cadillac’s debut at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, where they have since experienced a mix of highs and lows, including a best result of P13 achieved by Valtteri Bottas in China, alongside several reliability issues.
Need for Improvement
In a recent episode of the official F1 podcast, Beyond The Grid, Perez emphasized the importance of progression for the new team. “I really feel like I’m part of this project, of this new era, building something from scratch,” he said. However, he acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly after a series of disappointing races. “There’s a lot of disappointment because we haven’t been developing. We haven’t been improving,” he added.
Perez noted that the team has experienced a “bit of stalling” in their development, prompting a review of their processes. “I don’t think we have improved as much as we hoped for,” he stated, highlighting the complexities involved in being a new team. He believes that minor improvements could significantly enhance their performance, suggesting that “half a second, one second, will change our life completely at this stage.”
Looking Ahead
With the recent appointment of new Team Principal Marcin Budkowski, Perez is hopeful for a turnaround. He believes that continued progress will be crucial as they prepare for their sophomore campaign in 2027. “I want to see more progress, closing the gap to the teams ahead of us,” he said, emphasizing the importance of operational improvements in areas such as pit stops and strategy.
Despite the challenges, Perez remains motivated, stating, “You’re still at Formula 1. You’re still at the pinnacle of the sport.” He acknowledged the competitive nature of the grid, particularly with teammates like Bottas, and expressed satisfaction in being part of the ongoing development at Cadillac.
As the team looks to address its shortcomings, Perez’s insights reflect a commitment to growth and improvement in the face of adversity. For more details, visit Formula 1.
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