Perez Breaks Silence on $100M Cadillac Deal and Herta Rumors

Sergio Perez has addressed the growing scrutiny over who will fill the second Cadillac F1 seat next season.

Speaking to media including RacingNews365, the Mexican driver insisted he is not involved in the decision.

“No, not at all,” Perez said.

“I don’t want to, either, because that’s not my decision.”

Perez made the comments ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend.

Cadillac announced ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix that Perez had signed a contract extension running through at least the 2029 season.

The deal is reportedly worth more than $100 million over three years, according to ESPN via Sopitas.

Perez has stated this will be his final F1 contract.

“I am clear that these last three years will be my last contract,” he said, via Reuters.

The second seat remains uncertain despite Valtteri Bottas signing what was communicated as a multi-year deal.

Bottas retired from the Mexico City Grand Prix on lap 46 after an incident the team said it would investigate.

Cadillac has been pushing for American driver Colton Herta to obtain his F1 super license.

Herta was still one point short in Mexico.

He will get another chance this weekend in Brazil during FP1, where he needs to complete 24 laps to reach the 40-point threshold required for the license.

Herta switched to Formula 2 this year as he targeted a promotion to F1 in 2027.

His campaign has not gone as hoped, with just five point-scoring finishes leaving him 19th in the drivers’ championship.

Perez acknowledged Herta’s contributions to the team.

“He’s doing a good job,” Perez said.

“He’s bringing good feedback to the team and good information, which is all we need from him.”

Perez noted that FP1 sessions make it difficult to judge a driver’s true speed.

“Obviously, doing FP1s is always very difficult to show your speed or the level you’re at,” he said.

“But now I think he’s having more time in the car and in the simulator, so we’re starting to see more of his speed.”

Perez deflected all personnel decisions to team principal Marcin Budkowski.

“That’s why we have someone like Marcin, who will be looking at all the data and information, and he will ultimately make that decision based on what he thinks is best for the future of the team,” Perez said.

Budkowski took over as team principal on August 12, replacing Graeme Lowdon.

Dan Towriss called the move “another important step in the continued evolution” of the team.

Perez emphasized the urgency of the team’s development phase.

“Obviously, we’re in a period where we need to evolve extremely quickly,” he said.

“The next three or four months are really crucial in our preparation.”

Cadillac has scored no points in its debut season.

After 19 rounds, Bottas sits 23rd in the drivers’ standings and Perez 24th.

In Mexico City, Perez climbed from 20th on the grid to 17th at the flag.

Bottas retired on lap 46 after an incident the team said it would investigate.

The team’s own report blamed equipment problems in both pit stops.

Budkowski said those issues “cost both drivers time and positions on track.”

Cadillac runs Ferrari power units and gearboxes under a deal announced December 11, 2024.

That arrangement runs only until GM’s own engine is ready.

In April 2025, the FIA approved GM Performance Power Units LLC as a power unit supplier, with supply starting in 2029.

GM described the aim as a “full works” team.

Perez said he is enjoying being part of a new project.

“I’m really enjoying working with this team, with this project starting from zero,” he said.

“It’s a massive challenge that I’m facing. I’ve never been part of something new.”

He noted the difference from joining an established team.

“Normally, when you come to a team, everything is structured, and the driver can influence very little in the team organization,” Perez said.