Sergio Perez challenges Cadillac to 'out develop' 2026 F1 rivals

18:30, 24 Feb

byHenry Eccles

Sergio Perez says Cadillac will take on the "massive challenge" of out-developing its F1 rivals, as the American team makes its debut in 2026.

Pre-season testing saw a very respectable respectable performance from Perez' new team, while the American giant had only an ailing Aston Martin behind them in terms of lap count in Bahrain Test 2, they achieved nearly 100 more laps than an established F1 team (226 to 128).

Pace-wise, Cadillac were also towards the bottom - their quickest laps only enough to place Valtteri Bottas and Perez in P19 and P20, respectively - but again, they were ahead of the British team.

Challenge is to 'out-develop' teams ahead, says Perez

Photo: Race Pictures

Speaking on the final day of Bahrain testing to the media, including GPblog, Perez reflected on pre-season and the challenge in front of F1's latest arrival in 2026.

Perez said: "I think we are really having a good time being back, every single test we've been doing quite a bit, we're getting a lot of mileage, which has been the most important part on us.

"We knew it was going to be a very tough start, but it's all about how quickly we can develop from here. And it's been plenty of good mileage, I think we're obviously tidying up. Tidying up the small details will be really good coming up for Formula 1.

Perez then was asked on the work Cadillac had been doing during pre-season, and whether they could get closer to a winning edge as their debut year progresses.

"It is about finding weaknesses, and at the moment, the balance of the car feels good," Perez said.

"I think we have a balanced car, and we just have to go out there and find a lot of [downforce]. As a team, big and new, putting all the departments in place is taking some time, and the challenge here will be to out-develop the teams ahead of us.

"That is a massive challenge we will be facing for the year, but I think it is all about foundations for the first half of the year. To be able to put the team in the right place to be able to develop the car as quickly as possible, and hopefully, we can catch up pretty soon."

Sainz reveals harsh reality for Williams ahead of 2026 season

Good news for Cadillac on the development front will be Williams' worrying start to 2026. The Grove team impressively secured P5 in the championship last year, but driver Carlos Sainz is certainly worried that the British team won't be able to build on that momentum at the start of 2026.

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