Sergio Pérez believes Cadillac has made significant progress operationally but insists the team still needs to improve its car’s performance to compete with its midfield rivals following the 2026 F1 Singapore GP. The Mexican driver finished 17th at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon and miles clear of his Cadillac teammate Valtteri Bottas.
While Pérez struggled to challenge the midfield throughout the race, he remained encouraged by the team’s execution and consistency. His own pace was strong as he finished 96s ahead of the Finn.
The race saw Max Verstappen secure his first Singapore GP victory, finishing ahead of Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, Pérez endured another difficult afternoon as Cadillac continued its efforts to establish itself during its debut F1 season.
Despite the disappointing result, Pérez believes the American outfit has taken important steps forward, although its lack of outright pace remains the biggest obstacle to achieving stronger results.
Pérez pleased with Cadillac’s execution despite performance deficit
Reflecting on his race during the F1 Singapore GP, Pérez praised Cadillac’s operational performance and highlighted the progress the team has made. However, he acknowledged that the car still lacks the pace required to compete consistently with its closest rivals.
“I think we were very strong with the pace that we had today. We were very solid out there. Operationally, it’s the only thing that matters at the moment and the team has done a really good job. I think we can be pleased with that. We are just lacking a second, second and a half, to be in the mix with. For the entire first stint we had the Astons behind. We are just lacking that second in the car and then we can start to mix with the others.”
Although Pérez finished way outside the points, he took encouragement from Cadillac’s ability to execute its race effectively. The Mexican particularly highlighted how the team managed to keep the Aston Martins behind during the opening stint. Nevertheless, the significant performance deficit continues to limit Cadillac’s opportunities to challenge other teams.
Pérez believes closing that gap will be crucial if the outfit wants to turn its operational improvements into more competitive results.
Pérez shifts focus towards stronger 2027 F1 campaign
Asked whether the disappointing performance at a potentially favourable circuit raised concerns ahead of more challenging races, Pérez acknowledged that the other teams had continued developing their cars. However, he remained optimistic about Cadillac’s longer-term prospects, with his attention already turning towards the 2027 season.
“I think all the other teams have developed as expected. I think the big hope is really for next year. Hopefully, we can start the season a lot stronger and finish the season in a high way operationally so we can make sure that when it comes to pure performance, we can be there and I think as a team, we will get there.”
With Cadillac competing in its first F1 season, the team continues to build the foundations needed to challenge its more established competitors.
While Pérez recognises that significant improvements remain necessary, he believes the progress made throughout 2026 will help the outfit prepare for a more competitive second campaign. The Mexican hopes Cadillac can maintain its operational consistency throughout the remaining races, allowing the team to concentrate on improving its outright performance ahead of next year.
Operational improvements provide encouragement for Cadillac
Despite the difficulties Cadillac has faced on track, Pérez believes the team has made noticeable progress in how it operates during race weekends. When asked whether he had noticed a significant improvement in recent races, the Mexican confirmed that Cadillac was moving in the right direction but reiterated that the car’s performance remained its main weakness.
“Yeah, I think we are definitely getting there. I think really what we are lacking is just a strong car underneath us.”
His comments underline the distinction between Cadillac’s operational development and its current competitiveness. While the team continues to improve its race execution, Pérez believes it needs a stronger package to capitalise on those gains. With the foundations gradually falling into place, the next challenge will be translating that progress into better results on track.
Pérez looks forward to milestone 300th F1 Grand Prix in Mexico
Following the 2026 F1 Singapore GP, Pérez is looking forward to the upcoming races in Austin and Mexico, where he will celebrate a significant milestone in his Formula 1 career. The Mexican is set to make his 300th Grand Prix appearance at his home race, adding further significance to what is already one of the most anticipated weekends on his calendar.
With Cadillac also preparing for its home race in Austin, Pérez is excited about the opportunity to compete in front of passionate crowds across both events.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward a lot to be back home. It’s going to be a second home race for the team and also for myself with Austin and Mexico coming up and obviously doing 300 Grand Prix at home. It’s a dream come true to be able to celebrate. Very special weekend coming up.”
The milestone will mark another significant achievement in Pérez’s F1 career as he continues his return to the championship with Cadillac. Although the team faces an uphill battle to challenge its midfield competitors before the end of the season, Pérez remains confident in its long-term direction. For now, Cadillac’s priority will be maintaining its operational progress while working towards the performance improvements needed to become more competitive in 2027.
