Perez says he has no say in Cadillac’s 2027 team-mate choice

Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Sergio Perez said he has no say in Cadillac’s choice of his 2027 team-mate. His own seat is confirmed through 2029. Perez said he does not want to be involved in the decision; team principal Marcin Budkowski will assess the data and decide what is best for the team.

Perez praised reserve driver Colton Herta’s feedback and information, saying that more time in the car and simulator was beginning to reveal Herta’s speed. He added that FP1 is a difficult setting in which to judge a driver’s speed or level.

Herta was due to take Valtteri Bottas’s car for first practice in Mexico as he pursued the points needed for an FIA superlicence. Bottas has denied that his Cadillac seat is in danger, but Budkowski declined at the United States Grand Prix to confirm that the current pairing would remain unchanged next season.

Perez said he works well with Bottas, who he felt had been unfortunate in several races, and pointed to the Finn’s strong pace in Austin. He said there was no easy choice for Cadillac. The next three or four months, he added, would be crucial to the team’s preparations.