Sergio Perez has raised concerns about the limitations facing Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Ferrari customer, admitting the team struggles to fully access the Italian manufacturer’s energy-management strategy.
Sergio Pérez revealed details about Cadillac’s agreement with Ferrari to use the Italian engine in 2026.
Speaking to F1 ahead of the start of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, the Mexican driver acknowledged the issues the American team is facing with the power unit developed in Maranello.
Here’s what Checo had to say: “As a customer team, we’re very limited in what we can get from Ferrari. It’s difficult to get the most out of their energy management strategy, but I think we need to work together (with Ferrari) on that aspect,” said the Jalisco native.
For now, the comments from Sergio Pérez highlight a reality that many customer teams in Formula 1 quietly face: balancing ambition with the technical limitations of relying on another manufacturer’s power unit. Partnerships like the one between Cadillac Formula 1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari can offer a fast path into the sport, but they also create challenges when it comes to extracting every ounce of performance from the machinery. As the 2026 regulations continue to reshape the competitive landscape, cooperation between teams and engine suppliers will become increasingly critical. Whether Cadillac can overcome these early hurdles—and whether Ferrari chooses to open more technical collaboration—could play a decisive role in determining how competitive the project becomes over the coming seasons.
READ MORE:
How many years is Checo Pérez’s contract with Cadillac?
Sergio Pérez returned to Formula 1 with Cadillac, and one of the biggest questions on fans’ minds is the length of his contract, as this could be his final team before retirement.
According to information from Diego Mejía, a renowned motorsports journalist, the Jalisco-born driver will be on the tracks for quite some time: "Checo has said he has two years with Cadillac. His contract, as far as I know, is a 2+1, two years with an option for a third.
“He has also said that he plans to stay as long as necessary to reap the rewards and that he isn’t setting a deadline for his final major project,” they reported.
Find out all the latest news about your favorite drivers and teams.
Join The Conversation Roundtablesports is Free to join!
You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. Scroll up to the top of the page and click ‘Join'.
Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favourite teams and news!