Carlos Sainz helps Cadillac’s determination to signal Sergio Perez as one in every of its drivers, saying he deserves a second likelihood in F1.
Perez will return to F1 in 2026 at Cadillac, partnering former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas.
The skilled duo have been launched by their respective groups Crimson Bull and Sauber on the finish of final 12 months.
Perez’s kind declined in 2024 and Crimson Bull changed him with Liam Lawson.
Regardless of a robust marketing campaign, Sauber dropped Bottas and appointed F2 champion Gabriel Bortleto.
Sainz believes Perez’s return is pure, as is Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg, who each returned to F1 after being away from the game.
Sainz mentioned, through El Gerardo de Mexico: “I believe Czech has already proven everybody how gifted he’s and the way robust he’s, proper? As a driver, as an athlete, via his sporting profession in Formulation 1.
“I believe now he is getting ready for a second, completely different stage, which I believe could be very thrilling and really encouraging for him.
“On the finish of the day, I believe only a few drivers are given a second likelihood in F1 and it is given to drivers who’ve actually carried out nicely earlier than and after, like within the case of Ricciardo and Czech.
“Ultimately, Hulkenberg obtained a second likelihood. They’re drivers who’ve actually managed to make their mark, and Czech is one in every of them.”
Perez to check first Cadillac
Perez is scheduled to return to testing exercise later this month for the primary time for the reason that 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He will probably be driving a 2023 Ferrari automobile since Cadillac doesn’t but have its personal chassis.
In contrast to teammate Bottas, who stays beneath contract with Mercedes as a 3rd driver, Perez is a free agent and has already built-in into the staff.
“We can have some check periods in November,” Perez mentioned.
“These will probably be very useful as we will work with our mechanics and engineers to get the entire staff prepared for the check program beginning in January early within the 12 months, the place we’ll already be at 100 per cent.”
