Sergio Perez has called the overtaking action with the latest Formula 1 cars “fake” after initial experiences at the Australian Grand Prix.
Perez is making his comeback to the sport with the brand-new Cadillac outfit this year.
At the Australian GP last weekend, the Mexican got his first experience of the new 2026 cars under racing conditions for the first time.
Safe to say, Perez was far from impressed. Many drivers have already signalled their discontent with the new regulations, especially pointing out how the power units have shifted the focus from driver skill to energy management.
That said, the race at the Albert Park Circuit saw the number of overtakes go from from 45 to 120 between 2025 and 2026 – something F1 is priding itself on. But Perez pointed out how the feeling in the cockpit was more synthetic than the numbers have suggested.
“I found it very fake, to be honest because it’s all just on a button. You overtake, and then you get overtaken,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“It’s very early days on these rules, but it takes time. But what we saw in Melbourne, me talking as a fan, I didn’t like it.”
The FIA has taken cognisance of driver feedback, but the former Red Bull driver warned that making changes to the current rule-set will be easier said than done.
“I mean, the FIA said they will evaluate after China, but it’s only so much they can do with the options that are on the table,” he explained.
“Of course, I think it’s going to be difficult, because you need other teams to agree and some of them have a big advantage, so it will be difficult, but I think everyone is looking for a bit of a change. What we currently have is not good for anyone.”
If the FIA are indeed in possession of “aces up our sleeves” as it has already stated ahead of this weekend’s action, then they may need to be pulled out rapidly before the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks.
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