Sergio Pérez completes Cadillac's preseason with positive outlook on the development of the car

Sergio Pérez’s return to Formula 1 is confirmed with the conclusion of the preseason testing in Bahrain. During the session on February 20th, the Mexican driver finished tenth with a time of 1:40.842 after completing 61 laps, approximately 9 seconds behind the best time set by Charles Leclerc (1:31.992). Although the numbers show a significant gap, Pérez shared his perspective on the team’s progress during these first competitive outings.

Preseason testing was divided into two blocks: February 11-13 and February 18-20, allowing Sergio Pérez to test the car he will race in the 2026 season. During this period, Cadillac’s team gathered essential data to optimize the car before its debut on the circuit.

The Mexican driver assesses the car’s balance and development strategy

After handing over the car to his teammate Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Pérez spoke with the media about his initial impressions. The driver highlighted that, despite the recorded times, the team maintains a solid work line. “The car’s balance feels good. I think we have a balanced car. We’ve improved quite a bit in each test,” said the son of Antonio Pérez Garibay.

Pérez was aware from the start that Cadillac’s debut in Formula 1 would bring significant challenges. As the manufacturer’s first year in the category, developing the car requires constant optimization. “We’re doing many kilometers, which has been the most important part for us. We knew it was going to be a very tough start, but it’s about how quickly we can develop from here,” explained the Mexican driver.

The competitive gap: Cadillac’s challenge against top teams

Cadillac’s immediate goal is to close the gap with McLaren and Red Bull, which have dominated the Formula 1 landscape in recent cycles. Sergio Pérez detailed the team’s strategy: “The challenge here will be to develop more than the teams ahead of us. That’s a huge challenge we’ll face throughout the year. It’s about laying the foundations in the first half of the year, so we can put everything in the right place in the team and develop the car as quickly as possible.”

Both Pérez and Bottas have been crucial in identifying areas for improvement, information that the team will incorporate ahead of the season opener in Australia. “As a team, being new and getting all departments up and running, it will take some time. We just have to go out there and find a lot of pace,” added Sergio Pérez, who will debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.

Leclerc leads the end of preseason testing

The final day of testing confirmed Charles Leclerc as the fastest driver of the day and the entire testing session. The Ferrari showed great performance through intensive race simulations. Behind Leclerc, Lando Norris with McLaren and Max Verstappen with Red Bull positioned themselves, establishing these three teams as favorites for the season.

The rest of the paddock showed varied results. Mercedes reduced their pace after leading previous days, while Williams and Aston Martin focused on reliability programs and data collection rather than chasing quick times. Overall, teams used this end of preseason to validate aerodynamic configurations, assess tire wear, and make final setup adjustments in preparation for the start of the season.