Speaking to CNN, Sergio Pérez didn’t shy away from discussing his tough exit from Red Bull as he prepares for Cadillac’s F1 debut in 2026. The Mexican driver talked about finding fresh motivation and laid out realistic ambitions for the American team’s first season.
Sergio Pérez reflects on Red Bull struggles ahead of 2026 F1 return with Cadillac
Pérez opened up about his tough final months at Red Bull, admitting the pressure led him to question his own performance at times. He scored just 48 points across the final 18 rounds in 2024. However, Yuki Tsunoda fared even worse last year with only 30 in the second Red Bull seat.
“You know, my last, I don’t know, six months that I had with Red Bull were very very difficult, you know, for for any human,” he said. “At times yeah it makes you think that I couldn’t I couldn’t handle the car and so on but then once once I left I I knew.”
He emphasised that leaving was ultimately positive, allowing him to reset after achieving major successes like race wins and constructors’ titles. Pérez did not miss the “boring stuff” like photoshoots and interviews during his 2025 break, where he focused on family time and simulator work after 4 strong years contributing to 2 Constructors’ titles.
Sergio Pérez and Cadillac’s F1 2026 season: A realistic outlook
When asked about the possibility of contending for the top step of the podium with Cadillac in 2026, Pérez was quick to manage expectations.
“I think it wouldn’t be realistic at this time. Not for this year. Not for this year, but you never know.
“We have to make sure that we are able to progress quickly and who knows in the near future.”
He noted the leveled playing field from 2026 regulations and engine changes benefits newcomers like Cadillac.
“It’s a massive change. We’re all starting from zero. It was a great time to take a year out.
“I felt like I didn’t lose anything because we’re all starting from zero. Also on the engine side, it’s a massive change.
“You’re going to see a lot of different driving styles,” Pérez explained, highlighting how resets help new teams adapt faster.
Pride in representing Mexico and USA
Pérez expressed honor in driving for an American team while staying true to his roots.
“I’m obviously 100% Mexican, but obviously it’s driving for an American team it’s it’s also an honor you know and and a privilege,” he told CNN.
The Mexican driver says he feels no pressure from the outside, drawing motivation instead from his own desire to make a successful return.
The 2026 F1 season sees Sergio Pérez line up alongside Valtteri Bottas, a 10-time GP winner with Mercedes experience, as the team focuses on building momentum and laying strong foundations in its debut Formula 1 campaign.
Broader 2026 context
Sergio Pérez’s comments align with Cadillac’s ambitious entry amid F1’s expansion. His experience from top teams positions him to guide the squad’s growth, even as he understandably tempers immediate title hopes.
