Sergio Perez has made a bold claim by backing his new Cadillac team to compete for points-scoring places early in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The Mexican will return to the sport after spending 2025 in the wilderness, having been dumped by Red Bull at the end of 2024.
Perez will be joined by fellow returnee Valtteri Bottas, who has spent this year back at Mercedes as a reserve driver, having lost his seat with Sauber.
The experienced pair will spearhead the Silverstone-based squad’s first season in F1, becoming the 11th team on the grid at a time when F1 introduces a new set of rules.
With Bottas still contracted to Mercedes until the end of the season, Perez has spent time completing media duties and public appearances for Cadillac, including throwing the first pitch at the LA Dodgers’ Dodger Stadium last month.
Speaking there, Perez appeared to make some subtle remarks towards his former employers Red Bull, saying he feels that enjoying himself is now key to his return to F1
“At the end, what’s important for me in this sport, especially after the last few years, is to enjoy myself,” he said.
“This is the sport that has given me everything and more. So I want to go back to enjoying it, the last few years were difficult.
“So I want to go back to a Formula 1 that I enjoy and work with a team that has the same vision. I believe I found all that in Cadillac. I am very excited with this return.”
Perez confident of Cadillac surprises
Cadillac’s Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, along with CEO Dan Towriss, have been present at many Grands Prix this year, and the backroom staff have already been hard at work ensuring the team is as fully prepared as possible to be ready for its debut season.
Perez is expected to be part of a Testing of Previous Cars [TPC] test soon, enabling the team to gain more experience with the first race in Melbourne in March.
The 35-year-old spoke of his confidence in the team’s competitiveness, provided it leaves no stone unturned in its preparations.
“The goal is to arrive ready as a team for the first race,” he added. “If we achieve that, I believe the potential is immense.
“A year of Formula 1 means lots of races, we’ll evolve. In the meantime, we need to be a solid team.”
“I’m sure we’re going to surprise and that we can win points early in the season.”
READ MORE – Why Valtteri Bottas is confident and excited by Sergio Perez pairing at Cadillac
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