Sergio Pérez’s career in Canada was the sign that the Mexican hoped that his decision to return to Formula 1 with a project like Cadillac’s had been the correct one. Although they still haven’t scored points in the sprint race, they were one position away from getting into the top 10 before the penalty for the duel with Liam Lawson.

Although Cadillac has started from the premise of being equitable with its two drivers, Checo Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, on the track the Mexican has prevailed over the Finn. The Mexican has a confirmed contract for two years, while Bottas knows that, if Colton Herta obtains the superlicense, he could be sacrificed for 2027, although for now that seems distant given the results of the American driver in Formula 2.

Far from the excessive pressure and internal dynamics of his past teams, the Mexican driver has found in the American structure an ideal space to exploit his most analytical side and consolidate himself as the fundamental pillar in the development of the single-seater.

During the Canadian Grand Prix, Checo Pérez was asked if he feels he has leadership in Cadillac and, if so, how his past experience is influencing a new team like the one now, to which he did not doubt that he is exploiting his years of learning in mid-table teams, but also in top teams such as Red Bull.

“Yes, without a doubt. I think that the experience I have had has helped me fully understand who I am and the team to which I belong,” said the native of Guadalajara.

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The value of building a project from the ground up

Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing

Photo by: Jordan McKean / LAT Images via Getty Images

For a driver accustomed to fighting at the top in recent years with Red Bull and having been in the fight for the championship, changing objectives implies an important mental reset. ‘Checo’ recognized that motorsport goes beyond accumulating trophies on Sundays; it’s about bringing real value to a growing organization.

“I can put all my experience into it, and that’s why I’m enjoying my return so much. Because even though as a driver you want to win, if you don’t have the opportunity to be in the best car in Formula 1 right now, then it’s a very good project to be part of,” said the driver.

The reward, in his own words, is found in the small steps forward that the team takes in each Grand Prix. “It is a project that I am really enjoying from behind the scenes, and ensuring that we can progress as a team is a great challenge for a driver,” he concluded.

Photos from Sunday at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix

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