Cadillac Reveals Sergio Perez's Key Request for 2026 F1 Car

Cadillac has announced that Sergio Perez, one of their two highly experienced drivers for the 2026 F1 season, has already influenced the team's car development. After simulator sessions, Perez requested a significant change to the power steering system, highlighting his immediate impact on the new team's preparations.

Why it matters:

• For a new entrant like Cadillac, securing experienced drivers like Perez and Valtteri Bottas is crucial for rapid development and understanding of F1's complex demands.
• Perez's early involvement, unhindered by current team contracts, allows Cadillac to fine-tune critical car components to driver preference well in advance.
• This hands-on feedback from a Grand Prix winner can significantly accelerate the team's learning curve and component optimization, providing a competitive edge.

The Details:

• Sergio Perez has been actively engaging with Cadillac's development team, including simulator sessions, due to his unattached status before the 2026 season.
• Pat Symonds, Cadillac's executive engineering consultant, revealed that Perez specifically requested a "slightly different feel on the power steering" during these sessions.
• This feedback enables Cadillac's engineering group, led by Eric Warren, to immediately begin tuning the power steering to Perez's exact specifications.
• While Valtteri Bottas is still under contract with Mercedes, Mercedes has been cooperative, allowing Cadillac to consult him on preferences for components like the steering wheel.
• Symonds emphasized the immense value of having two experienced drivers for a new team, especially with significant regulation changes expected for 2026.
• Driver Workload: The upcoming regulatory changes are expected to make races more tactical, requiring drivers to think strategically while managing tires and other race factors. Experienced drivers are essential for navigating these complexities effectively and minimizing errors.

What's next:

Cadillac's early engagement with Sergio Perez underscores their commitment to a strong debut in 2026. The ability to integrate driver feedback so early in the development cycle is a major advantage for a nascent team. This meticulous approach to driver-car harmony, combined with the strategic pairing of Perez and Bottas, positions Cadillac to tackle the F1 grid with a well-honed machine. Resolving these minor details now could pay significant dividends when the cars hit the track, allowing the team to focus on broader performance challenges rather than fundamental driver comfort and control.