Sergio Perez: Biggest Challenge of F1 Return Was the Brutal Schedule

Sergio Perez says the toughest part of his full-time Formula 1 return has not been mastering the Cadillac, but simply getting back into the relentless, globe-trotting rhythm of the sport. After nearly a year away from the grid following his Red Bull exit, the Mexican admitted that the chaotic cadence of back-to-back races and constant travel demands caught him off guard.

Why it matters:

Perez's admission highlights just how grueling the F1 lifestyle remains, even for a veteran with over 250 grand prix starts. Cadillac banked on the experience of both Perez and Valtteri Bottas to guide its new entry, but the team has not scored a point through 11 rounds in its debut season, raising questions about whether driver savvy alone can overcome the steep hurdles facing a brand-new team.

The details:

• Speaking to media, Perez revealed that during his first weeks back, he would receive messages requiring him to be in a different country within two days, only to fly elsewhere shortly after.
• He described life as an F1 driver as living entirely "through a schedule," a reality he had forgotten during his brief absence from the grid.
• Perez reckoned it took two to three months before he fully readjusted to the tempo, adding that he "had no choice" but to adapt quickly.
• Despite the wealth of experience in its lineup, Cadillac is the only team yet to score points in the 2026 championship, still chasing its first breakthrough finish.

What's next:

Cadillac faces a steep climb to break into the points as the season continues. With the midfield battle intensifying, the pressure is mounting on Perez and Bottas to convert their feedback into measurable gains on the timing sheets.