Sergio Perez Calls Pointless Cadillac Debut Season One of His Best Years

Sergio Perez refuses to frame his debut season with Cadillac as a failed period. Despite not having scored a single point in Formula 1 2026, the Mexican driver instead calls this year one of the best seasons of his career.

So far, Cadillac has indeed been unable to break into the points zone. Perez came close at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he brought the MAC-10 car to tenth place before eventually receiving a penalty. However, the numbers do not fully reflect the actual performance on track.

Several races showed potential that is not visible in the standings. In Baku, for instance, Perez was already close to the top 10 from the first practice session. Meanwhile in Singapore, he nearly built a full-lap advantage over his teammate, Valtteri Bottas—a situation that is not recorded in the results table.

In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Perez was asked whether he considered 2026 his worst season. His answer was firm: "No, not at all. In terms of results maybe yes, but people who understand this sport can see my level of racing, the consistency I maintain, and the performance I show. They know the quality of the year I am having."

Throughout his career, Perez has always scored points every season, from his debut with Sauber in 2011 to his final season with Red Bull in 2024. Now, with six races remaining, that prospect looks distant. However, for Perez, there is another, more important factor: his role as the leader of a new project.

For the first time, Perez has had to build a team from scratch and lead the development of a car that has undergone various modifications since the first race to address reliability issues. Now, he is a central figure in steering the car's evolution and, when conditions allow, competing in the midfield.

"At the end of the day, Formula 1 depends heavily on the car to achieve great things," Perez said. "The people in the team know my level, and that is what matters most."

When asked to place 2026 in the context of his career, taking into account the results and performance with the car available, he stated: "I think this is one of my best years. Without a doubt, in terms of confidence, level of racing, decision-making, and leadership. I am part of something very important and fundamental in a new project. My voice carries a lot of weight here, and that brings great responsibility as a driver."

For Perez, this season is not merely about the numbers in the standings, but about the foundation being built for Cadillac's future in Formula 1. He recognizes that results on track often depend on the quality of the car, but he believes his contribution to developing the team and the car will bear fruit later on.

With six races remaining, Perez and Cadillac still have a chance to close the season with a stronger performance. The question is, can they turn potential into real points before the season ends? Or will this debut year remain remembered as a valuable learning season for Perez and his new team?