Sergio Perez costs Cadillac dear with two fines in 13 minutes

Sergio Perez cost Cadillac €1,700 in fines after being caught speeding twice in the pit lane within 13 minutes during the opening practice session for the new Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring in Madrid.

Why it matters:

For a brand-new F1 team like Cadillac, every detail counts in a debut season. Pit lane speeding penalties not only cost money but also highlight the operational discipline required to compete at the highest level. With Perez as the team's most experienced driver, his early misstep is a reminder that even veterans need to adapt to new circuits and procedures – and that Cadillac has plenty of work ahead as it builds its identity in the sport.

The Details:

• The first breach came just three minutes into the hour-long session, with Perez traveling at 86.7 km/h – 6.7 km/h over the 80 km/h limit – triggering a €700 fine.
• Thirteen minutes later, he was clocked at 96.7 km/h, a full 16.7 km/h above the limit, resulting in a €1,000 penalty.
• The total bill for the team stands at €1,700 for the two violations.
• The Madring, located in Madrid's IFEMA district, features 22 corners and a pit lane that has already proven to be a tricky challenge for drivers navigating a brand-new venue.

The big picture:

The fines are a minor financial blow, but they underscore the steep learning curve Cadillac faces as it adapts to F1's operational standards. The Spanish weekend is just the beginning of a long season, and the team will need to iron out such errors to build a solid foundation for the future.

What's next:

Perez and Cadillac will aim for a cleaner run in FP2, where more laps will be crucial for both the driver's confidence and the team's ongoing development at this new venue.