Sergio Perez Praised for Exemplary Attitude as Cadillac Intensifies F1 Preparations with Imola Test

Cadillac’s ambitions for its Formula 1 debut in 2026 received a significant boost following veteran driver Sergio Perez’s inaugural test with the nascent team, with senior management commending his approach. Graeme Lowdon, a key figure in Cadillac’s F1 project, expressed strong encouragement, noting that the Mexican driver is "re-entering Formula 1 with exactly the right attitude," signaling a positive start to their collaboration.

The two-day session, held at the historic Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola two weeks ago, saw Perez behind the wheel of a 2023 Ferrari SF-23. This vehicle was generously loaned by Scuderia Ferrari, who are set to become Cadillac’s power unit supplier for the 2026 season. The test served as a crucial operational shakedown for Cadillac’s newly assembled trackside crew, aiming to hone their procedures and foster cohesion ahead of their highly anticipated entry into motorsport’s pinnacle.

Perez, 35, completed a substantial 183 laps across the two days in the unpainted Ferrari challenger. For the seasoned racer, this marked his return to an F1 cockpit after an absence of nearly a year, his last competitive outing having been the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which concluded his tenure with Red Bull Racing. While the technical relevance of driving an older-specification car from a different manufacturer was limited in terms of raw performance data for Cadillac’s future car, its primary objective was multi-faceted: to reacclimatize Perez to the extreme demands of F1 machinery and, crucially, to provide invaluable hands-on experience for Cadillac’s burgeoning team of mechanics and engineers.

Graeme Lowdon, when pressed by Motorsport.com for his impressions of Perez’s performance and demeanor, underscored the driver’s enthusiasm. "I could see a real enthusiasm with Checo," Lowdon stated, emphasizing a "positive attitude of a racer" that bodes well for the demanding journey ahead. "He’s a proper racing driver, but he’s been out of the car for a little while, so it was really good to see him in the car."

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Perez’s career in Formula 1 spans over a decade, marked by significant achievements and a reputation for strong race craft. Debuting in 2011 with Sauber, he subsequently drove for McLaren, Force India (later Racing Point), and most notably Red Bull Racing, where he secured two of his six Grand Prix victories and played a pivotal role in Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship triumphs. His experience, encompassing 268 Grand Prix starts, 39 podium finishes, and six wins, positions him as one of the most experienced drivers on the current grid. His recent departure from Red Bull, where he often played a supportive role to Max Verstappen, left him without a seat for the current F1 season, making this Cadillac opportunity a significant career revival.

Lowdon also highlighted Perez’s physical condition during the rigorous test. "I was intrigued to see how he would be physically because when you drive these cars, in particular on the neck, it’s a really difficult area of the body to prepare for what actually happens in a car. And he coped incredibly well with that as well. So that was really encouraging. It’s just good to see him go around." This robust physical readiness after a break from active competition underscores Perez’s commitment to his new challenge.

For Cadillac, the Imola test was an indispensable practical exercise. Lowdon elaborated on the operational benefits derived from the two-day outing: "We’re very grateful to Ferrari for lending us an F1 car, because we want to make everything as realistic as possible. And for the mechanics, going through things like blanket procedures, start procedures, the rapid turnaround for Q1 to Q2. There’s only one way to do it and that’s to do it with a Formula 1 car."

The team’s mechanics, drawn from various existing F1 outfits, possess diverse experiences with different power units and operational protocols. The test provided a critical platform for standardizing these procedures and ensuring seamless integration. Lowdon detailed the intensive nature of the session: "It was useful as well for Checo to get used to working with the guys who are going to be on his car crew. He did 90 [laps] on one day and 93 on the other day, so it was good mileage. But an awful lot of it was to go out, come back in, simulate a car coming in, simulate what happens if there’s an alarm on the ERS system…" Such simulations are vital for preparing for the high-pressure, complex environment of a Grand Prix weekend, particularly concerning critical elements like the Energy Recovery System (ERS). "The mechanics come from different teams, so they have different experiences with different power units, different procedures for ERS emergency and that kind of thing. So, it was super, super useful. I’m really pleased that we did it," Lowdon concluded, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the training.

Looking ahead, Cadillac’s driver lineup for 2026 will feature another highly experienced individual: Valtteri Bottas. Lowdon confirmed that Bottas will officially join the General Motors brand following the conclusion of the 2025 season in Abu Dhabi, where he currently serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Bottas brings a wealth of experience from his tenures with Williams and Mercedes, including ten Grand Prix victories and a runner-up finish in the World Drivers’ Championship.

"We get him after Abu Dhabi," Lowdon stated with anticipation. "I can’t wait. He’s a good guy to work with. Again, he’s super enthusiastic. Mercedes has been really cooperative and helpful." The collaboration with Mercedes, despite Bottas’s current ties, highlights the generally supportive nature of the F1 paddock for new entrants.

The decision to sign two highly decorated veterans like Perez and Bottas is a clear strategic move by Cadillac to leverage their collective knowledge and experience. "I think both Checo and Valtteri still have a lot to offer to F1. If they had walked away from the sport completely, it would have been a loss for F1, so it’s great to have them in the team," Lowdon remarked. He underscored the formidable track record they bring: "They’re both super quick guys, 16 Grand Prix wins between them, 106 podiums. Just bringing all that experience, that’s exactly what we need for the task that we have ahead of us."

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026, supported by General Motors, represents a significant undertaking. Establishing a new team from scratch in the hyper-competitive world of F1 is a monumental challenge, requiring immense investment in infrastructure, personnel, and technology. The early operational tests, the strategic driver signings, and the proactive engagement with key partners like Ferrari all point to a meticulously planned approach by Cadillac. The enthusiasm and professionalism displayed by Sergio Perez in his initial outing are critical ingredients as the American marque continues its rigorous preparations for its maiden season on the global stage of Formula 1. The combination of seasoned talent and a dedicated team infrastructure will be paramount as Cadillac aims to make an impactful debut.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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