Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez has officially embarked on a new chapter, gearing up to race for Cadillac in its 2026 debut season. After a challenging final stint with Red Bull, he opted to leave the sport at the end of 2024, allowing himself a break from racing after nearly twenty years. This time away enabled him to spend quality time with family and reflect on his future aspirations. Following this hiatus, he has chosen to re-enter the arena with Cadillac, a brand-new team joining the F1 grid.
As Cadillac is a new participant in Formula 1, they lack a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program. To mitigate this, they formed a partnership with Ferrari, enabling Perez to pilot an older Ferrari vehicle to reacquaint himself with the pace and dynamics of F1 racing. This collaboration benefits both parties: Ferrari’s seasoned TPC team manages the car, while engineers from Cadillac observe and learn on-site. The initiative also allows Cadillac to bolster its simulation and race preparation capabilities using real data gleaned from Perez’s drives.
Perez completed his seat fitting at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters just last week. This week, he initiated a two-day testing session at Imola, operating a Ferrari race car adorned in a full black livery. Donning a matching black race suit and helmet, his objective is to refresh his familiarity with F1 vehicles, connect with race protocols, and assess his physical readiness ahead of January's pre-season testing for Cadillac’s inaugural F1 car.
Expressing his enthusiasm for returning to the track, Perez noted that the timing of this test couldn't be better, as it offers him vital insights for his winter training regimen. He aims to gauge any fitness decline over his break and pinpoint areas for enhancement. By getting back to his racing weight and physical condition, he anticipates these two days will illuminate what he must focus on before the upcoming season.
Beyond merely driving, this test signifies the start of Perez’s collaborative work with Cadillac. He underscored the importance of establishing solid communication with the engineers and mechanics, as a cohesive driver-team dynamic is essential for success. Since signing his contract during the summer, Perez has visited Cadillac’s facilities in the UK and the US and engaged in several simulator sessions to familiarize himself with the new car designs and 2026 regulations.
Recently, Perez toured Cadillac’s Silverstone factory, reviewing their first Formula 1 monocoque developed under the new 2026 regulations, which encompass significant changes in aerodynamics, power unit structure, and overall design. With years of experience driving for teams like Sauber, McLaren, Force India, and Red Bull, Perez’s insights are deemed invaluable as Cadillac refines its development strategies.
After the Imola testing, Perez is set to continue with simulator sessions, participate in additional engineering meetings, and dedicate himself to rigorous winter training. His goal is to be thoroughly prepared—both mentally and physically—for the January testing. In the upcoming 2026 season, Perez will be racing alongside Valtteri Bottas, another veteran driver who has served as a reserve at Mercedes. Together, they contribute over 527 Grand Prix starts to Cadillac’s new venture, with Bottas joining on-track activities only once his contract with Mercedes concludes.
Sergio Perez’s transition to Cadillac symbolizes a fresh start—an opportunity for him to reset his career and play a pivotal role in establishing a brand-new Formula 1 team. For Cadillac, his extensive experience will be crucial as they gear up for their debut in 2026. The initial testing, simulator engagements, and team integration underscore Cadillac’s commitment to entering F1 in a competitive manner. As the countdown to the 2026 season begins, both Perez and Cadillac are devoted to learning, enhancing, and laying a robust groundwork for their future ambitions.
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