Perez stresses 'experience is key' as he weighs in on Bottas and Herta debate
Source: Racepictures
Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
Sergio Perez has stressed that experience is “key” to Cadillac’s development as the team weighs up whether to retain Valtteri Bottas or give Colton Herta a race seat next season.
The Mexican has admitted that it is a 'tricky' decision for Cadillac bosses to make and that both drivers 'deserve the shot' of driving for the team in the 2027 season. However, his comment to the media, stressing the importance of experience, would lean in the favour of Bottas.
Bottas has won 10 Grands Prix in 265 starts since making his Formula 1 debut in 2013. The Finnish driver though faces competition from Herta, who strengthened his chances of stepping up to Formula 1 by securing his FIA Super Licence during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.
Perez highlights value of experience for Cadillac
Speaking to the media during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, Perez said: "Obviously, for me, it's a difficult one, because I also know Colton and get on well with him. They both deserve the shot, in a way. But I think experience at this stage and this current phase of the project is key."
ADVERTISEMENT
Bottas has experience on his side and while Herta enjoyed some success in the IndyCar series, he has struggled in Formula 2 this season, currently sitting P19 in the standings.
Bottas has also appeared to be off the pace this season in Formula 1, but Perez has defended the Finn's recent performances, suggesting his results have not told the full story.
“Valtteri has been doing a good job; he's been very unlucky in the last few races. And Colton, when he gets the opportunity, it's very hard for him to show his pure talent.
“So I think as a team, it's very tricky to make the decision because with only FP1, it's hard to know what sort of potential there is.”
Read also
ADVERTISEMENT
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google