Perez warns next two to three months are 'critical' for Cadillac's F1 future

Sergio Perez has warned that the next two to three months will be a make-or-break period for Cadillac's Formula 1 future, as the American team prepares to lock in crucial development decisions for its 2027 challenger. Cadillac, which joined the grid as the sport's 11th constructor at the start of the 2026 season, remains anchored at the bottom of the constructors' standings without a point as it works through the growing pains of its debut campaign.

Why it matters:

Cadillac's early struggles are typical for a brand-new team, but the clock is ticking. With Perez and fellow veteran Valtteri Bottas leading car development, the outfit possesses the collective know-how needed to climb the ladder, yet it must first establish the internal structure and technical direction required to escape the cellar. The decisions made during this summer window will directly shape whether the team can close the gap to the midfield or remain mired at the back for a second consecutive year.

The details:

• Perez explained to media that while the team has "very experienced people," it is still in the process of structuring its operations to match more established rivals.
• He acknowledged that Cadillac is facing the same hurdles other new teams encounter, but emphasized that the outfit is in a "proper fight" to build the right foundation.
• The squad is now preparing to begin construction of its 2027 car, making the current window pivotal for committing to next year's design concepts.
• Despite bringing a combined wealth of experience to the garage, the driver pairing has been unable to lift the team off the bottom of the standings, with Cadillac still searching for its first points of 2026.

What's next:

The coming weeks will test whether Cadillac can convert its experienced driver lineup into tangible engineering progress. If the team can finalize its 2027 development path and shore up its operational structure during this critical window, it could take a meaningful step toward the midfield. Failure to do so, however, risks leaving the American newcomer stranded at the rear of the grid for the foreseeable future.