Max Verstappen has praised former Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, highlighting the wealth of experience and adaptability he will bring on his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac in 2026.
Cadillac has officially announced its driver line-up for the 2026 season, confirming Valtteri Bottas alongside the Mexican driver as the pilots leading the team’s entrance into the sport.
Perez, who spent four seasons at Red Bull and played a key role in multiple Constructors’ Championship victories, is set for a fresh start after a brief break from the sport.
Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen, who shared the garage with the veteran driver at Red Bull, reflected on his former team-mate’s experience, professionalism, and the unique perspective he can bring to a team like Cadillac.
The Dutchman also revealed how he was quick to congratulate Perez on the new chapter in his career.
“Quickly, when I saw the news, I sent a message to him,” he told media including Motorsport Week. “So, of course, I’m very happy for him.
“He’s got a seat, he’s a great guy, and we’ve always got along very well. So yeah, I’m happy to see him back on the grid.
“How he’s going to perform, I think will also depend on how good the car is going to be right? It’s a bit difficult to say at the moment, but it’s a new opportunity, and I’m sure he’s very excited for it.”
Verstappen on what Perez can bring to Cadillac
Having raced alongside Perez during his time at Red Bull and witnessed his contributions to the team, Verstappen reflected on what he can bring to Cadillac.
First, he discussed how last season may have undersold Perez’s true abilities and the opportunity he now has to prove himself once again.
“It’s a fresh start now,” he added. “I think it’s not about one half of a season – that doesn’t define what you can do. I think he’s also quite easy in that. Some people maybe dwell on it a bit more, but for Checo, it’s a new start. You’re excited – new cars, completely new cars also.
“He has shown a lot of great things, even before he got to Red Bull, and during the Red Bull times. So just go in there, enjoy it again, and have a good time.”
Verstappen went on to outline the added value Perez’s experience brings to a team like Cadillac.
“He has driven for a lot of different teams, so he knows a lot about how teams work. Every single team works a little differently. That’s already a very interesting trait – it’s nice to understand what people are good at or where some teams are worse.
“That’s how it goes. Also, the behaviour of cars – he’s been in a lot of different regulations, a lot of different rule sets – some things were allowed, some were not, got banned, things like that.
“So, yeah, to have that general understanding of how a great car is, how a car is that’s not fantastic – I think it’s very valuable for them to start with. He has worked with many big teams, so hopefully that will push them forward in the beginning, because it’s never easy to jump into Formula One and be competitive straight away. But we’ll see how that goes.”
READ MORE – Why F1 break will help Sergio Perez – from a driver who has experienced it
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