Sergio Perez Confident of Cadillac Podium in "Near Future" Ahead of F1 Return

Sergio Perez, set to return to Formula 1 next season with Cadillac after a year out, has boldly predicted the new team will achieve a podium finish "in the near future." He cites his track record of securing top-three results with almost every team he has raced for, excluding McLaren.

Why it matters:

Cadillac's entry marks the first new F1 team in a decade, and Perez's ambitious target signals a serious intent from the American outfit to contend quickly. For Perez, it's a chance to re-establish himself at the pinnacle of the sport after a challenging 2024 season, demonstrating his belief in Cadillac's long-term vision and resources, a contrast to previous financially struggling new entrants.

The Details:

• Perez will partner with Valtteri Bottas, forming an experienced lineup with a combined 527 race starts and 16 Grand Prix victories.
• Cadillac's preparations are well underway, having passed FIA chassis homologation tests and recently begun laying up its first two race chassis at its Silverstone factory.
• Team Principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed the car is "on schedule" and progressing.
• Perez has personally visited both Cadillac's Charlotte and Silverstone bases, spending time in the General Motors simulator.
• He is scheduled to drive a Ferrari SF-23 at Imola for two days this week, marking his first F1 car laps since the 2024 Abu Dhabi finale.
• Despite acknowledging potential initial struggles for the new team, Perez remains optimistic about Cadillac's podium prospects, stating, "I think I've been on the podium with all the teams I drove for, except McLaren."
• Perez emphasizes Cadillac's strong financial backing and long-term commitment, distinguishing them from past new teams that often faced financial difficulties.
• The Imola test serves to re-acclimatize Perez to F1 machinery and to foster early communication and synergy with Cadillac's engineers and mechanics.

The Big Picture:

Cadillac's arrival coincides with a significant regulatory overhaul in 2026, introducing new, lighter cars with active aerodynamics and a revised engine formula. This could level the playing field, giving Cadillac, with its experienced personnel like Graeme Lowdon, Nick Chester, Rob White, and Pat Symonds, a potential advantage over established teams needing to adapt to the new rules.

What's next:

Perez's upcoming test in the Ferrari SF-23 at Imola will be crucial for his physical preparation and for building early chemistry with the Cadillac team. While theory and reality can differ, the combination of an experienced driver lineup, significant investment, and the strategic timing of their entry into a new regulatory era positions Cadillac as a formidable new contender in Formula 1. The key will be how quickly they can develop and adapt to the demanding F1 environment.