Sergio Perez Responds to Pat Symonds' 2026 F1 Prediction for Lewis Hamilton

Why it matters: Cadillac F1 consultant Pat Symonds predicts the new 2026 F1 cars will favor Lewis Hamilton's driving style, a notion Sergio Perez addressed on 'The F1 Show'. Perez, set to join Cadillac in 2026, shared his thoughts on Hamilton's current challenges and the future rule changes. ## The big picture: Hamilton has struggled since joining Ferrari from 2025, currently with zero podiums compared to Charles Leclerc's five. The 2026 regulations will bring significant overhauls to both chassis and engine, potentially reshuffling the grid. Hamilton has only two Grand Prix wins since the ground effect era began in 2022, a stark contrast to his six World Championships with Mercedes. ## Perez's take: Symonds' "off camera" prediction suggested the 2026 ruleset would benefit Hamilton. Perez responded: "I think this era of cars that we’re currently in, with the ground effect cars, it’s been tricky. But, I think, with Lewis, you’ve seen it, he’s done a tremendous job at Mercedes when they didn’t have a competitive car... he’s a fantastic driver. And for sure, he’ll figure it out." Perez also believes the new regulations will suit his own style, stating, "I’ve done well in previous eras. So yeah, I do expect that the new regulations will suit my style." ## What's next: Perez will partner with Valtteri Bottas at the new Cadillac F1 team in 2026. He expressed confidence in their partnership: "We are both very competitive. We are both very, very hungry... We are very motivated to give feedback." Perez plans to take a year off from F1 in 2025, watching races from home before his Cadillac debut.