Mexico/Perez/Cadillac

Introducing the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Perez Edition. Smart marketing move by Cadillac.

 

The Perez rumor is fronted by The BILD here in Germany lol

--Contrary to reports in Germany, Autosport understands Perez to Cadillac is not a done deal just yet, with 2026's new entrant one of several options he is still holding conversations with.--

 

It promises to be a huge event this Saturday. That's when Cadillac will present its team to the world, a few months after the FIA and Formula 1 welcomed the Americans into their fold. Amidst the announced Hollywood stars and motorsport icons, Cadillac would perhaps have liked to present its first driver, but GPblog has learned that this is not going to happen. A story in German media about the presentation of Perez is totally wrong.

 

Multiple X feeds confirming that Sergio Perez will be driving for Cadillac? I guess it will be officially done on Saturday.

 

Are they counting on his legendary car development skills, consistent winning record or innate leadership qualities?

 

His car blaming and reset skills are what I think are driving this. Botta is a better choice. He actually out qualified LH 30% of the time and is a better overall good but not great F1 pilot. RedBull released Perez and Mercedes hired Bottas that math is not hard to solve. Bottas has Ferrari PU experience as well.

The problem for Cadillac is the new team, wont be competitive etc reputation from the off. No matter who they hire it might be a long 2 years on the contract. As expected of course.

 

You expect Checo Perez to pull CadillacF1 to the top 3?

I doubt it. CadillacF1 will be a backmarker team for the time being. Enjoy the sponsorship money and merchandise sales.

 

Bottas is now reserve driver at Mercedes, and mentoring Antonelli.

But Perez is available.

 

Bottas has made it clear he would take a seat and Toto will release hi him if an opportunity arises. He can still mentor Kimi for a bit more time. Cadillac have no full sim yet lol

 

Good for Perez if it happens

 

If top 3 is Cadillac's goal they're already f'ed. Primary goal is to get operations running smooth, get a car to drive predictably and well. Then, regular Q2 visits and the occasional point finish.

Alpine, Williams, Sauber, Aston, Toro Rosso, and I guess even Haas now, all vastly experienced teams all going for the same. Look how bad Sauber was last few seasons and Williams.

Tough bracket to break into...

 

The only thing I expect from him is underperformance.

 

I partially agree with the comments, but not all. At RB, the car has been tailored to Verstappen -- more front-end balance and not everyone
got used to that style. When the car was more to Checo's liking he did much better. So I don't buy 100% the Bottas - Checo comparison.
Also, at Cadillac, his inputs may have more weight because, even if he's not driver #1, his teammate may not be as experienced in F1 machinery,
unless Bottas finds to be. He will have direct feedback on to how to develop the car into his liking.

The statement that I do agree is that he's going to be a stepping stone. Yes, the sponsorship will be attractive to Cadillac, what is wrong with that.
So Checo will be there to kick-off the initiative, but with two or three years (rumour has it that the contract is for three years), they will try to attract
younger and fast drivers, but by that time he'll go into retirement.