Photo: Cadillac F1 Team
Perez: I’ve proved I still belong among F1’s best
Sergio Perez says his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac has already proved he still belongs among the grid’s top drivers, with the Mexican expressing satisfaction over his performances despite the team’s difficult start to the season.
After leaving Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024, many questioned whether Perez would be able to rediscover his best form in Formula 1. However, five race weekends into Cadillac’s debut campaign, the experienced Mexican believes he has answered those doubts.
“Yes, I’m very satisfied with my performances, with my level of driving. I’m happy that I’ve come back and proven to myself that I belong among the best. I really love that, and I’m very happy with the level at which I’m driving,” Perez said, as quoted by BlogGP.com.
Although Cadillac has yet to score points in Formula 1, Perez has regularly outperformed teammate Valtteri Bottas and established himself as the team’s leading force during its challenging first months in the sport. The Mexican admitted that operational weaknesses within the new American outfit are currently preventing better results, even though he feels the pace of the car is gradually improving.
“I think we’re still lacking a lot on the operational side and we’re not making the performance gains we could be making. So we need to make sure we’re maximising the car’s performance at the moment,” the Mexican driver added.
Perez also stressed that Cadillac’s late entry into Formula 1 meant the team had very limited preparation time before the season began. Still, the six-time Grand Prix winner is eager to see progress arrive faster.
“Well, I’m impatient right now because of the operational side. I think we need to improve that and we’re in a big rush, because we’re not maximising the results,” he explained.
Despite running near the back of the grid, Perez believes the project is moving in the right direction and says the upcoming European races could offer new opportunities for improvement.
“We are making progress there, which is very positive. But operationally we’re falling far short, and we need to find a way forward with the European season starting in mind,” Perez concluded.
