Sergio “Checo” Perez has reflected on his time at Red Bull, highlighting how his feedback is now more valued at Cadillac. The Mexican driver, alongside Valtteri Bottas, has embarked on his second chapter in Formula 1, taking on a completely new project. Perez discussed his experience at Cadillac while also referencing his past years with Red Bull. The start for the American team has certainly been challenging, but this was expected given the complexity of the task ahead.
The first race did not go particularly well for Cadillac, with Valtteri forced to retire and Perez finishing in sixteenth place, three laps behind the leader George Russell. The newly entered F1 team is temporarily using a Ferrari engine, but the goal is to become fully autonomous starting from 2029.
The American team plans to produce its own Power Unit, and work on new infrastructure in the United States is already underway. Despite the rocky start, Cadillac’s focus remains firmly on long-term objectives.
Perez and feedback not fully appreciated at Red Bull
After years spent alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull, Perez feels much more valued at Cadillac. The Milton Keynes team was primarily focused on Verstappen, whereas at the American squad, the Mexican driver holds a more influential role. His experience, combined with that of his teammate, will be crucial in guiding the development of the 2026 car.
“I see the way the car is being developed and how we are progressing in the same direction; obviously, that helps. And I feel that, certainly, my feedback is now much more appreciated,” Perez told Motorsport.com, referencing his time at Milton Keynes. “The last six months of my Red Bull journey were tough in every way. I really felt the need for a break,” he added.
During his final season alongside Max Verstappen, Perez struggled noticeably, a far cry from the driver seen during the early races of 2023. This new adventure has given him renewed motivation, marking the first time he has taken Cadillac into Formula 1.
The move to Cadillac represents more than just a seat for Sergio Perez; it is a chance to redefine his legacy as a lead development driver. As the 2026 season progresses and Cadillac begins to integrate more of its own technical solutions, the weight of Perez’s input will only increase. While the current gap to the front-runners is significant, the synergy between the drivers and the engineering team suggests a more unified path forward than the one Perez experienced in his final months at Red Bull. For “Checo,” being listened to is the first step toward bringing Cadillac to the front of the grid in the years to come.
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