Sergio Perez is making waves as he embarks on a new chapter in his racing career with Cadillac, and his words about his past with Red Bull are striking a chord. The Mexican driver, who is set to return to the Formula 1 circuit at the highly anticipated Australian Grand Prix, has boldly claimed that he feels “much more appreciated” at Cadillac than during his tumultuous stint with Red Bull.
Having racked up five impressive victories while driving for the Milton-Keynes team from 2021 to 2024, Perez’s journey took a downward turn as he struggled to keep pace with his exceptional teammate, Max Verstappen. This decline in performance ultimately led to Red Bull parting ways with him at the conclusion of the 2024 season, but it seems the scars of that experience have not faded.
As he gears up for his debut with Cadillac, Perez is not shy about reflecting on his past. Speaking to the media in Melbourne, he highlighted the refreshing environment at Cadillac, where he feels his contributions are genuinely valued. “I think I could definitely see the way that the car is being developed and the way we are pushing forward in the same direction; it always helps,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and feedback in a race team.
The pressure and constant scrutiny at Red Bull had drained much of the joy from his racing experience, leaving Perez to realize that a break from the sport was beneficial. “I really felt like my year out gave me a very different perspective of the sport,” he noted, acknowledging how being immersed in the competitive bubble from a young age had skewed his focus on what truly matters.
Now, with an invigorated spirit, Perez is determined to reclaim the excitement of racing, reminiscent of his early days in karting. “So, for me, the main priority is to enjoy it again as if it was karting,” he stated. This newfound mindset is not just about fun; he believes that when he enjoys his driving, his performance will inevitably shine.
As Cadillac prepares for their debut in 2026, Perez is acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Following valuable pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, he underscored the necessity for aggressive development to compete with seasoned teams. “From what we’ve seen in Bahrain, I think we have to outdevelop all of the teams that have been in the sport for years,” he asserted, laying out the ambitious roadmap for Cadillac’s entry into the highly competitive world of Formula 1.
The stakes are high, and Perez is ready to embrace the journey ahead, focusing on progress and team cohesion. With his sights set firmly on making a mark with Cadillac, the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling ride for both the driver and the team.
