Perez criticizes Red Bull, praises Cadillac's appreciation for his feedback

Sergio Perez has openly criticized his former team Red Bull, stating his technical input is now more valued at his new team, Cadillac. The Mexican driver, returning to F1 after a year away, claims the fresh American project has reignited his motivation following a difficult final chapter with the reigning champions.

Why it matters:

A driver's ability to effectively communicate with engineers and influence car development is a critical, often underrated, component of success in Formula 1. Perez's comments highlight the significant impact team culture and internal dynamics can have on a driver's performance and morale, suggesting his struggles at Red Bull were not solely about pure pace.

The details:

• Perez described the last six months of his Red Bull tenure as "tough in all areas," leading him to need a break from the sport.
• He joined the new Cadillac F1 team for 2026 alongside fellow veteran Valtteri Bottas, forming an experienced lineup intended to fast-track development through their technical feedback.
• When asked if his input feels more appreciated at Cadillac compared to Red Bull, Perez replied, "Yeah, definitely, I think so."
• He emphasized the collaborative direction at Cadillac, noting, "I definitely feel that the way the car is being developed, and the way we're pushing forward in the same direction, obviously helps."

What's next:

Perez's primary focus is on the long-term Cadillac project, which he describes as a "long shot" but one he believes can be "very successful." His renewed motivation stems from being an integral part of building a new team from the ground up. While the immediate performance of the new Cadillac car remains an unknown, Perez's early positive experience suggests a working environment where he can potentially thrive and contribute more directly to the team's growth trajectory.