Sergio Perez has admitted that Cadillac’s difficult start to life in Formula 1 is ‘hard to digest’ for his fans. The team is currently struggling for pace ahead of the United States and Mexico City Grands Prix. Cadillac joined the F1 grid in 2026 as the championship’s 11th team but its debut season was nothing as it was hoped for. Perez and his teammate Valtteri Bottas are yet to secure a world championship point, leaving the American outfit with plenty of work to do as it develops its first-generation car.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming races, Perez acknowledged that the situation was difficult for fans accustomed to seeing him compete near the front of the field during his time with Racing Point and Red Bull. “Obviously, it’s tough to digest for a fan because they want to see me winning and in the fight,” Perez was quoted as saying by RacingNews365. “They’ve been used to that.”
However, the Mexican driver remains grateful for the support he has received, adding that fans understand the team’s long-term project and continue to stand behind him.
Sergio Perez faces reality check ahead of home race
Cadillac’s lack of competitiveness has been a recurring concern throughout its inaugural campaign. Perez has openly acknowledged that the gap to rival teams remains significant, making it difficult to challenge for points under normal race conditions. In July, the 36-year-old explained that Cadillac needed to find between half a second and eight-tenths of a second to become competitive for points.
His teammate Bottas has also stressed that the team needs to make a substantial improvement or benefit from an unpredictable race to break into the top 10. Perez’s immediate focus is on the upcoming double-header, beginning with Cadillac’s home race at the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 25, followed by the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1.
The Mexican event could be particularly special, as Perez is set to reach 300 Formula 1 Grand Prix starts on home soil, provided his race participation goes ahead as planned.
