Perez confident by his F1 return: 'I'm proving this year that I belong among the best in F1

When Mario Andretti was asked by GPblog before the season about expectations for the Cadillac team, the advisor was resolute: in their first season on the Formula 1 grid, the Americans would certainly not make a poor showing. After five Grand Prix weekends, those words have proven fairly accurate. Although the team is to be found at the back of the field, the gap to the competition is small.

Valtteri Bottas and especially Perez have used their experience to ensure Cadillac has managed it's arrival in F1, although the latter believes improvements must come quickly: “I think we’re still lacking a lot on the operational side and we’re not making the performance gains we could be making. So we need to make sure we’re maximising the car’s performance at the moment,” Perez told, among others, GPblog in the paddock after the Canadian Grand Prix.

Before the former Red Bull Racing driver embarked on this adventure, he knew full well it was a long-term project. Cadillac was only admitted to Formula 1 late, so a team had to be assembled and a car built in a hurry. Nevertheless, Perez is impatient for success. “Well, I’m impatient right now because of the operational side. I think we need to improve that and we’re in a big rush, because we’re not maximising the results.”

The seasoned Mexican gives as an example last Saturday’s qualifying, where the team’s way of running stood in the way of a good result. At the same time, Perez sees the car’s performance improving step by step. “We are making progress there, which is very positive. But operationally we’re falling far short, and we need to find a way forward with the European season [starting in Monaco] in mind.”

After seasons with Red Bull Racing fighting for wins and even becoming vice world champion, Perez is now a regular at the back of the grid. The outside world may not see it, but he is having a strong season in which he often outpaces teammate Bottas.

Perez himself is pleased with his performances so far. “Yes, I’m very satisfied with my performances, with my level of driving. I’m happy that I’ve come back and proven to myself that I belong among the best. I really love that, and I’m very happy with the level at which I’m driving.”

Perez and Cadillac have not scored points yet. Perhaps the race in Monaco, in just under two weeks, will change that. “Monaco is simply Monaco. It’s a unique opportunity, so hopefully we can perform really strongly there.”