Sergio Perez has described his 2026 Formula 1 comeback season with Cadillac as one of the strongest of his career. The Mexican driver returned to the grid this year after being released by Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. He joined the newly formed Cadillac team for its maiden F1 season.
Despite Cadillac currently holding no points in the Constructors’ Championship, Perez maintains a positive assessment of his personal performance. The team, a joint venture with TWG Motorsports, entered Formula 1 in 2026 as the 11th constructor on the grid.
Cadillac’s MAC-26 chassis is powered by Ferrari engines for its debut season. General Motors, Cadillac’s parent company, is slated to become an F1 power unit manufacturer from the 2029 season.
Perez’s best race finish this year has been 14th, achieved at both the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Teammate Valtteri Bottas secured the team’s highest finish with a 13th place in China.
A potential points finish for Perez in Monaco, where he crossed the line 10th, was nullified. He was disqualified from the race due to a technical infringement related to fuel flow.
The Cadillac team has faced significant reliability challenges throughout the 2026 season. By mid-August, the team had recorded nine retirements across 22 starts for its two cars.
Perez himself has five non-finishes, while Bottas has also endured multiple mechanical issues. These problems have included severe brake overheating, suspension failures, and detaching car parts.
During the Austrian Grand Prix, both Perez and Bottas retired early due to brake problems. This prompted Perez to state that such issues were unacceptable for the team.
Marcin Budkowski was appointed as Cadillac’s Team Principal on August 12, 2026, replacing Graeme Lowdon. Budkowski brings extensive F1 experience from previous roles at Ferrari, McLaren, the FIA, and Alpine.
Budkowski acknowledged the significant challenges and compromises inherent in Cadillac’s accelerated preparations for their F1 entry. He stated the team is in ‘action mode’ to address current performance deficits.
Cadillac’s focus for the latter part of the 2026 season involves intensive data collection. This is aimed at understanding the car’s fundamental characteristics for development into the 2027 season.
Perez believes his driving level, confidence, decision-making, and leadership within the new team have been strong. He stated that those who understand the sport can recognize the calibre of his year.
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.
Perez also highlighted the car’s critical role in achieving results in Formula 1. He emphasized his influence within the new Cadillac project extends beyond driving duties.
