Sergio Perez could face a hidden setback in 2026, as reports claim Ferrari’s new power unit trails Mercedes by 15–20 horsepower. With Cadillac set to use the Maranello engine, insiders suggest Checo may begin the season at a measurable power deficit.
The real disadvantage Sergio Pérez will have with the Ferrari engine he will use in his Cadillac in Formula 1 2026 has been revealed.
Motorsport.it shared information about the power that has been developed in Maranello for the upcoming campaign and that will be shared with Sergio Pérez's team.
This is what they revealed: "Ferrari has returned from testing in Bahrain with Charles Leclerc ahead of everyone else in the SF-26, but if you listen to the paddock buzz, it is taken for granted that Mercedes will arrive in Melbourne with an advantage over the reds.
"The technicians are talking about 15-20 horsepower in the power unit and more. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the Scuderia has pushed ahead with research into aerodynamic development. The small turbo serves to keep the 6-cylinder endothermic engine in check even at low revs, boosting the flow of exhaust gases to the fire.
“In Maranello, they are aiming to blow the exhaust, reviving a concept that was more prominent from 2010 to 2012 when the terminal was not single and central, but there were two pipes that ran down the sidewalk and created an aerodynamic effect that could be worth up to a second,” they reported.
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How much will Checo Pérez earn at Cadillac?
Sergio Pérez is back in Formula 1, and now information has emerged about the Mexican driver's salary at Cadillac. According to recent reports, the Jalisco-born driver will earn a significant amount with the American team: "PlanetF1.com has learned that Pérez has signed a multi-year contract with Cadillac.
"Furthermore, it is suggested that he has a base salary of close to $10 million, a contract that is reportedly equivalent to his previous contract with Red Bull. The driver will also reportedly receive bonuses for his results, such as championship positions, podium finishes, and victories, and his income will be increased by a percentage of official merchandise sales.
“This is a huge advantage for Pérez, who was reportedly responsible for more than 60% of Red Bull's online merchandise sales. Cadillac has been interested in signing Pérez based primarily on what he can offer as a driver, rather than the impressive list of sponsors he has boasted in the past,” they said.
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