Sergio Perez has said he feels “much more appreciated” at Cadillac than he ever did with his time at Red Bull in Formula 1.
Perez will mark his return to the sport with Cadillac at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, this weekend.
The 36-year-old last drove for the Milton-Keynes-based outfit winning five races for them between 2021 and 2024.
That said, a massive dip in form, and his inability to match team-mate Max Verstappen, forced Red Bull’s hand into relieving him of his duties at the end of the 2024 campaign.
And it would appear that despite a year out, and now with Cadillac, there is no love lost between Perez and Red Bull after all.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week, ahead of the race weekend at Melbourne, the Mexican racing driver outlined the weight of his contributions at Cadillac compared to Red Bull.
“I think I could definitely see the way that the car is being developed and the way we are pushing forward in the same direction; it always helps,” he said.
“I feel that definitely my feedback is much more appreciated.”
Sergio Perez outlines Cadillac objectives for 2026 debut
The weight of expectations and the constant reminder of failure at Red Bull had sapped out all the fun from driving for Perez.
Looking back, the 36-year-old feels his year on the sidelines, hence, did him more good than harm. “I really felt like my year out gave me a very different perspective of the sport,” he added.
“When you’re in from a very young age into this bubble, you kind of worry a lot about small details that are totally irrelevant for the people out there.”
With the General-Motors-backed outfit, Perez wants to regain his mojo – something he feels would automatically augment his performances on track.
“So, for me, the main priority is to enjoy it again as if it was karting,” explained Perez. “This is the way I see it. My main priority for me is to enjoy it and give it my best, because if I’m able to enjoy I will be able to perform at my best.
“And, ultimately, that’s the only thing that really matters at this point of my career.”
On the competitive side of things, Perez has already isolated the team’s biggest challenge for 2026.
After logging in essential mileage during the pre-season tests at the Bahrain International Circuit, over February, Perez explained how Cadillac’s “main objective” would be to go on an aggressive development spree.
“From what we’ve seen in Bahrain, I think we have to outdevelop all of the teams that have been in the sport for years,” he asserted.
“It’s not going to be an easy task for Cadillac, but for us I think it’s all about the progress we can make from here and getting all of the different departments in place.
“That will be the main objective for us.”
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