Perez Credits Cadillac for Rekindling F1 Passion in 'Final Big Project'

Sergio Perez is crediting the upcoming Cadillac Formula 1 team for reigniting his passion for the sport after a year-long break following his departure from Red Bull. After a challenging end to his tenure with the reigning champions, Perez is now approaching his move to the 2026 debutant with renewed vigor, aiming to make it a successful "final big project" in his decorated F1 career.

Why it matters:

Perez's return to F1 with a new team like Cadillac, after a period of demotivation, is a significant storyline. It not only provides a seasoned, championship-winning driver for Cadillac's debut but also highlights the personal toll and mental fortitude required in F1, even for established stars. For Cadillac, securing a driver of Perez's caliber offers invaluable experience as they build their team from the ground up.

The details:

• Red Bull Exit: Perez left Red Bull after a 14-year career in F1, being replaced by Liam Lawson. His final six months at Red Bull were described as "very difficult," leading to a dip in motivation.
• Cadillac's Appeal: The prospect of joining Cadillac, set to debut in 2026, has revitalized Perez, helping him "fall back in love" with F1.
• New Beginning: He sees this move as a "refreshment" and his "final stint" in the sport, bringing renewed energy to push the team forward.
• Starting from Zero: As Cadillac is a new team, Perez recognizes they are "starting basically from zero," which presents both challenges and opportunities.
• Focus on Progress: Perez emphasizes that their starting position is less important than their ability to progress quickly, aiming to "surprise a lot of people" and have a "strong impact" from day one.

What's next:

Perez's focus is firmly on the future with Cadillac, which he views as his "main, big, final project." The immediate task will be to integrate with the new team, contribute to its development from the ground up, and translate his extensive experience into tangible progress. His commitment underscores the serious ambition of Cadillac to establish itself as a competitive force in Formula 1 from its very first race in 2026. If Perez can channel his renewed motivation effectively, Cadillac could indeed make a more significant impact than many anticipate.