Sergio Perez: Debut season with Cadillac is one of my strongest yet

Pulse Sports Team 09:21 - 20 October 2026

Judging purely by raw statistics in the 2026 Formula 1 season, Sergio Perez's campaign might look like a complete failure.

Cadillac have yet to score a single point this season, despite the Mexican driver coming agonisingly close to a top-10 finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. In the Principality, he piloted the MAC-26 to tenth place before a penalty stripped him of a points-paying finish. However, the numbers tell only half the story, one that isn't always reflected in the championship standings.

There is plenty of evidence to back that up: in Baku, Perez showed impressive pace and hovered around the top 10 from day one. In Singapore, he was on the verge of lapping his team-mate Valtteri Bottas—performances that go unnoticed in the official classification sheets.

Speaking to motorsport.com, the Mexican was emphatic when asked whether he considers 2026 the worst year of his career.

"No, absolutely not. In terms of results, of course it looks that way, but people who understand the sport appreciate the level I'm driving at, my consistency, and the performances I'm delivering. They see what a strong year I'm actually having."

Perez had scored points in every single season from his debut with Sauber in 2011 until his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024. With just six races remaining this season, keeping that streak alive looks like a tall order.

For the veteran driver, however, the context of this debut campaign is paramount. For the first time, he finds himself leading a brand-new project built from scratch. The car underwent major overhauls after the season opener to resolve reliability issues, and Perez has taken a leading role in its development while battling the midfield whenever an opportunity arises.

"Ultimately, in Formula 1, achieving big results relies heavily on the machinery. The experts and the people inside my team know very well what level I'm performing at," the Mexican stressed. "I believe this is one of my best seasons yet. Without a shadow of a doubt—in terms of confidence, driving level, decision-making, and leadership. Being a leading figure in such a fundamental new project is hugely important. My voice carries immense weight here, and that comes with a big responsibility."