General Motors president Mark Reuss has praised Cadillac Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez ahead of his 300th race in the championship, stating that having the Mexican driver on the team is an honor. Perez is set to become only the seventh driver in Formula 1 history to reach the milestone, joining a select group that includes Rubens Barrichello, Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, and Michael Schumacher. He will celebrate the achievement in front of his home fans at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.
Home Celebrations and New Contract
As part of the milestone celebrations, Perez performed a demonstration run on the streets along the Paseo de la Reforma. He is also scheduled to visit General Motors employees and dealers in Mexico City before driving the MAC-26 on track. Alongside these celebrations, Cadillac announced that Perez has signed a renewed contract with the team keeping him on board through to 2029.
Speaking at the Autosport Business Exchange New York, as reported by Motorsport.com, Mark Reuss discussed the significance of the upcoming milestone. Reuss stated, as quoted by Motorsport.com: “It’ll be Checo’s 300th, really proud to have him driving for our team, and he’s given us so much feedback, and expertise on someone who’s run the tracks – and [Valtteri] Bottas – both giving us real feedback around the car, the track, and what the differences are and how to build the models, and how to get those simulations right as we move through and experience our first season.”
Reuss added regarding the local significance and Perez’s character, as reported by Motorsport.com: “Our Mexico headquarters is in Mexico City, so he’s going to speak to our dealers, he’s going to speak to our employees, and I can’t wait to go and be part of that with him, and all of his fans.” He further noted, as quoted by Motorsport.com: “He’s just a great person, who he is as a person; because he’s not only a wonderful driver, a wonderful representative for Cadillac and General Motors and Formula 1, but he’s just a really good person. It’s an honour to have him.”
Building the Team with Experienced Drivers
Perez and Valtteri Bottas both joined Cadillac for the brand’s inaugural Formula 1 campaign, bringing substantial race-winning expertise to help the manufacturer establish itself in single-seater racing. Although the team’s debut season has faced expected challenges as a completely new operation built from the ground up, Reuss has expressed admiration for the resilience and professionalism displayed by both drivers.
Discussing the attributes of his drivers, Reuss explained to Motorsport.com that elite competitors in any motorsport category share a distinct level of precision and professionalism. He noted that champions continuously strive for perfection, and when setbacks occur, they focus on refining their craft, physicality, or machinery rather than dwelling on the result.
Reuss expressed gratitude for the drivers’ approach during a developmental year, stating, as reported by Motorsport.com: “They drive for that perfection, and both of these gentlemen do that, and they really understand what it takes and the process. I’m very, very happy that they’re patient with us to be honest. That takes a special person, and both of those guys have it.”
Perez will take to the track at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez to kick off his milestone race weekend in front of his home supporters.
