Since rejoining the Formula 1 grid, Sergio Perez has found a new sense of confidence with Cadillac, something he lacked in his final stint at Red Bull.
The Mexican driver’s return to the sport has been a complete turnaround from a bleak 2024 season. Ultimately, Perez experienced five DNFs and ended the season eighth, 285 points away from his World Champion team-mate Max Verstappen.
It was a season that tested Perez’s mentality. Despite signing a contract extension, rumours about his future, often spearheaded by Helmut Marko, continued to swirl. Combined with a dip in form and the constant comparison to his teammate, Perez found himself lacking the confidence he needed to compete in the sport.
However, after a year away from the sport and joining Cadillac, Perez believes he’s back to being himself. Whilst it’s been a hard start for the American outfit, who sit last in the Constructors’ Standings, performances have been positive.
“I’ve been very pleased with my level of performance, what I’ve delivered during the year and qualifying race,” Perez told media, including Motorsport Week.
“It’s been pretty solid, and I’m really happy.”
The six-time Grand Prix winner even took a subtle dig at his lack of confidence during his time at Red Bull, claiming he has fully restored his self-confidence after a trying last season.
“The confidence is fully back. I’m really happy and confident. It’s like the confidence that I lost in the last six months of my previous team is all fully back and I do believe that I’m operating at a very high level.”
Newfound ability sparks excitement for Perez
The Cadillac driver highlighted that the most pivotal factor in his new mentality has been the team. Perez believes that being in tune with both the team and car has helped to restore crucial confidence that he lost as things turned sour in Milton Keynes.
“Just feeling at one with the car, with the team,” Perez explained.
“That brings the whole confidence back and knowing that you can perform at your very best.”
Importantly, Perez believes his renewed confidence is evident through his performances this season. Unlike in his Red Bull days, the Mexican feels as though he is extracting everything possible from the package and is on par with his teammate.
“Yes, definitely. You can see my race pace. It’s extremely good.
Qualifying has been good, but I think it’s the race pace where I make a bit of a difference.”
Heading into the British Grand Prix, Cadillac are still chasing its maiden F1 points finish.
With a strong sense of confidence within himself and the team, Perez could be in the box seat to make history for the American outfit.
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