Sergio Perez has rejected the idea that 2026 is his worst season in Formula 1, insisting his first year with Cadillac ranks among the best of his career.
The Mexican returned to F1 this year after a season out of the game, having been axed by Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign.
Determined to show his former team that he is still capable at the highest level, Perez signed for the nascent Cadillac squad for its maiden season.
And despite the team’s own teething problems, Perez has been praised for his performances, and has previously stated his belief that he is in possession of all his old skill.
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Perez was asked whether he would consider 2026 his worst season. His answer was direct: “No, not at all.
“In terms of results, obviously, but I think people who understand the sport can see the level at which I am driving and the level I’ve been maintaining, the performance I’ve delivered, and they can understand the calibre of the year I’ve had.”
“In the end, Formula 1 depends heavily on your car to achieve big things,” he said.
“Ultimately, we have people who know a lot about this sport, and obviously my team, and they know the level I’m at.”
Sergio Perez ranks 2026 as one of the best, all things considered
Perez was then asked where 2026 sits in a career that has brought six Grand Prix wins and second place in the 2023 championship, judged on his results and performance in the car he has had.
“I think one of my best years,” came the emphatic reply. “Without a doubt, in terms of confidence, driving level, decision-making, leadership, without a doubt one of my best years.”
The numbers are harder to defend. Cadillac is still the only team yet to score a point in 2026. Bottas’s 13th place in China is the team’s best result, and Perez has done no better than 14th, in Barcelona and at Silverstone.
He crossed the line 10th in Monaco, which would have given Cadillac its first point, but the result did not stand.
Unreliability has compounded the problem. By the summer break, Perez had retired from four races and Bottas from five, with overheating a persistent issue.
Perez’s case rests on two things: his form against an experienced teammate, and his role inside the new team. He has had the upper hand over Bottas in their head-to-head comparisons. He also says his influence at Cadillac goes beyond the cockpit.
“I am being part of something so important and fundamental in a new project. My voice carries a lot of weight here, and I think that, as a driver, carries a lot of responsibility as well.”
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