Sergio Perez completes first Cadillac F1 simulator laps ahead of 2026 debut

Sergio Perez has put in his first laps in the Cadillac Formula 1 simulator ahead of the American outfit’s debut in the championship in 2026.

After visiting the team's Charlotte base, the Mexican driver arrived at the Silverstone headquarters, which was unveiled in 2024. The squad, led by team principal Graeme Lowdon and CEO Dan Towriss, shared a behind-the-scenes look at Perez's visit to the facility, which included the 35-year-old putting in his first laps in the team's simulator.

This comes after Perez made an appearance at the Los Angeles Dodger Stadium to throw the ceremonial first pitch, where he spoke about getting in the simulator and also testing an old F1 car.

"Next week, I will be in Charlotte and in England," Perez said. "For me, it’s important to drive this year, especially for the neck, so that my body adapts again to what’s going to happen in 2026. I will train in the simulator, and there are plans for me to test an old F1 car."

He added: "The goal is to arrive ready as a team for the first race. If we achieve that, I believe the potential is immense. A year of Formula 1 means lots of races; we’ll evolve. In the meantime, we need to be a solid team. I’m sure we’re going to surprise and that we can win points early in the season."

The former Red Bull driver will return following a year out of the championship, having been replaced at the Milton Keynes outfit for 2025 by rookie Liam Lawson. Over his 14-year career in F1 so far, Perez has driven for Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull. He has accumulated six grand prix wins, 39 podium finishes, three pole positions and 12 fastest laps.

Perez will join former Sauber F1 driver and Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas at the American squad to form an experienced driver line-up. IndyCar star Colton Herta has signed with the team as the test driver.