Table of Content
Sergio Perez has stated that he will not have any influence over who drives alongside him for the Cadillac Formula 1 team in 2027. His comments follow the announcement of his new contract extension ahead of his home race in Mexico.
Perez Contract and Team-Mate Uncertainty
Perez secured a contract keeping him on the grid through 2029, just in time for his return to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which marks his 300th F1 career grand prix. He spent last season watching from the sidelines following his exit from Red Bull Racing.
While Perez’s future is secure, the status of current team-mate Valtteri Bottas remains uncertain. Although the Finnish driver denies his position with the new Cadillac squad is at risk, team principal Marcin Budkowski declined to confirm whether the current driver lineup will stay the same for next season when speaking at the United States Grand Prix.
Colton Herta’s FP1 Opportunity
Reserve driver Colton Herta will participate in the first practice session in Mexico, replacing Bottas as he works to accumulate enough points for an FIA superlicence. Herta moved from IndyCar to Formula 2 this season and, despite experiencing difficulties with Hitech, his past achievements in the United States position him to reach the threshold via practice mileage.
Perez praised Herta’s input during the team’s inaugural season, stating, “I think he’s doing a good job. He’s bringing good feedback to the team and good information, which is all we need from him.” He added that participating in practice sessions makes it challenging to demonstrate raw speed, but simulator and track time are helping reveal more of Herta’s pace.
Discussing the broader driver situation, Perez emphasized that the final choice rests with management. He noted his strong working relationship with Bottas, pointing out that Bottas suffered bad luck in several races and displayed strong pace in Austin, meaning leadership faces a difficult decision.
Decision Left to Management
Reflecting on his new multi-year agreement, Perez mentioned that his responsibilities extend beyond driving quickly to helping build the new organization. When asked if this involvement grants him a voice in selecting his 2027 partner, he answered firmly in the negative, explaining that team principal Marcin Budkowski will review all data to determine the best path forward.
Cadillac faces a rapid development phase, with Perez highlighting the next three to four months as critical for preparation ahead of upcoming seasons.
