Sergio Perez remains steadfastly optimistic about the prospects of Formula One newcomers Cadillac, despite their challenging start to the season. As the championship heads to the iconic Monaco Grand Prix, Perez believes the unique street circuit could offer the General Motors-backed team their best chance yet to score points.
After five rounds, Cadillac has yet to qualify higher than 18th in a regular grand prix, with their best result a 13th place finish, but Perez, a past winner in Monaco, sees potential in the slowest race on the calendar.
“It can be one of our biggest shots so far,” Perez, who triumphed in Monaco with Red Bull in 2022 and secured a third-place finish with Force India in 2016, told Reuters.
“But we have to see where we are in the low speeds. I think if we are able to be competitive in the low speed, Monaco can be a track that can bring us something.”
Monaco is renowned for its tight, metal-fenced streets where overtaking is notoriously difficult. This means a slower car, if well-positioned, can effectively hold off faster rivals. The circuit also has a history of unpredictable outcomes, exemplified by Olivier Panis’s 1996 victory for Ligier from 14th on the grid in a chaotic, rain-affected race where only three cars reached the chequered flag.
open image in galleryPerez embodies a philosophy of relentless effort.
“You never know when your opportunities will come,” he stated. “You just have to make sure that you deliver 1,000% every single Sunday and see what happens. You never know which race will be the one.”
His recent performance in Canada, where he finished 11th in the sprint before a penalty demoted him to 14th, showcased his ability to compete. The Mexican finished ahead of an Audi, both Aston Martins, a Haas, a Williams, an Alpine, and even a Red Bull.
Having missed last season after losing his Red Bull seat, the 36-year-old Mexican has returned with renewed vigour. “It’s been very enjoyable,” he reflected on his journey.
“First of all, the project, the challenge and me getting back to my level has been extremely motivational. The main reason I wanted to come back is just to realise that I’m one of the best in the sport, you know, and I felt like I’ve proven that already in this couple of races to myself. So I’m happy with that, that I came back.”
open image in galleryPerez is keen to see rapid advancements across all areas, from pitstop routines to strategy and aerodynamic development. He notes that Cadillac, which has recruited heavily from other teams, is “more up to speed in all the areas, all the different departments, which is really helping to evolve and bring things together quicker for everyone.”
He added: “We are not short of budget at all. And at the same time, when they give you the opportunities they expect results quickly. So we know in the team that we need to deliver soon and we need to deliver more progress as soon as possible.
“But at the same time, being a new team, it just takes time.”