Sergio Perez described his performance at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix as one of his best weekends in Formula 1®, despite finishing outside the points. Driving for Cadillac, Perez faced challenges but remained competitive within the midfield pack throughout the race.
During the weekend in Baku, Perez showed strong pace in practice sessions but qualified 20th. A three-place grid penalty for impeding further compromised his starting position. Despite these setbacks, he managed to finish 14th, matching his best result of the season with Cadillac. This finish also reflected the team's ongoing struggle to break into the points in their debut Formula 1® season.
Perez pointed out that the Cadillac car's lack of straight-line speed and aerodynamic drag were significant factors limiting their competitiveness on the Baku street circuit. The team’s best finish so far remains 13th, achieved by Valtteri Bottas at the Chinese Grand Prix earlier in the season.
Looking ahead, Cadillac does not expect to introduce major car upgrades before the end of the season. Perez emphasized the importance of operational improvements to help the team maximize performance in 2027. He stressed that pushing harder in operational areas is key to making progress despite the current technical limitations.
While the weekend did not yield points, Perez’s reflections highlight a positive personal performance amid a challenging season for Cadillac. His ability to stay competitive in the midfield despite setbacks underlines his experience and adaptability in the sport.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend offered a clear view of where Cadillac stands in its first Formula 1® campaign and the areas that require focus. Perez’s assessment provides insight into the team's ongoing efforts to find a foothold in the highly competitive championship.
Overall, Perez’s comments underline the challenges faced by a new team in Formula 1® and the determination required to improve results. His weekend in Baku serves as a reminder that strong individual performances can occur even when the car’s pace limits overall success.