The Mexican driver, sidelined for a year after Red Bull let him go at the end of last season, took his first steps in his new adventure with Cadillac this week during a private test at Imola.

The former Red Bull racer got behind the wheel of an all-black Ferrari SF-23, as Cadillac still doesn’t have a car ready for TPC testing, racking up valuable mileage on Thursday and Friday as he begins his build-up to the 2026 season.

Perez was able to take advantage of the partnership between Cadillac and the Maranello squad, which will supply its power unit to the American giant ahead of General Motors’ entry into Formula 1 as an engine supplier, helping him regain confidence behind the wheel since his last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi on December 8.

Although no specific times have been released, the Mexican reportedly completed 93 laps on Thursday and another 93 on Friday, according to Motorsport.it, all under the watchful eyes of Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon and team manager Peter Crolla.

Both days reportedly ended without any major issues, with the team even carrying out a few pit-stop practice runs.

“He wasn’t even pushing,” Lowdon said as quotes by Motosport Italy. “The test is just to train the mechanics and learn the procedures. There are still things to improve, but we are on schedule.”

In the last two races in Mexico and Brazil, championship leader Lando Norris, despite putting in two outstanding weekends, was relentlessly booed by the Mexican and Brazilian fans, sparking debate online.

Perez also weighed in on the issue, condemning the boos and urging his fellow fans to show respect and applaud other drivers, while also acknowledging their passion for Formula 1.