Why Cadillac extended Sergio Pérez for multiple years

Cadillac has chosen a fresh multi-year deal with Sergio Pérez instead of simply activating the second-season option in his existing contract, Formula 1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto writes. His analysis points to Pérez’s performance and feedback: the Mexican has consistently made the most of the car, and his input has helped Cadillac’s development.

That contribution is not easy to read from the results. Barretto says Cadillac’s position towards the back makes Pérez’s pace difficult to assess from the final classifications. Even so, the view inside the team and in Pérez’s camp is that he is driving at a high level, he writes.

Pérez returned to Formula 1 in 2026 after a year away following a difficult split with Red Bull, joining Cadillac in its debut season. Barretto says questions about how Pérez would perform after his difficult Red Bull stint were why his initial multi-year Cadillac contract included options over the partnership from 2027.

The extension gives Cadillac stability on one side of the garage with a proven race winner. Pérez has six wins and 39 podiums, and Barretto says the team valued the experience he gained in his career. The agreement also lets Pérez focus on his job without uncertainty over his future.

The extension was completed in time to be announced ahead of Pérez’s home race in Mexico, where he is set to make his 300th F1 start. Barretto says it could keep him with Cadillac as he approaches his 40s.