Perez praised for ‘instrumental’ role in Cadillac development

Sergio Perez deserved his contract extension with Cadillac because of the “instrumental” role he’s played in the team’s development so far, according to CEO Dan Towriss.

Cadillac announced a long-term extension for Perez at the Mexico City Grand Prix, keeping him with the newest team on the grid until 2029. The 36-year-old returned to Formula 1 after a year out this season and has impressed with his performances, but Towriss says it was also due to the work he has been putting in behind the scenes.

“He's been so instrumental in the development of this team in the early stages, and really just seeing Checo's commitment to the team, he deserved the extension, and so it made sense to do that,” Towriss said. “As we were working on the extension, realizing it was his 300th race happening at his home race in Mexico, it was kind of the perfect time to bring all these pieces together.

“Besides the results on track, the feedback on the car, it's also like, from a personnel standpoint, I think he's been helping to generate interest in the team, and just using his network. And he's just constantly pushing us to think about, as we expand... because no team is going to change more on the grid than Cadillac Formula 1 team; it's a brand new team, we have to evolve. And more people are becoming interested in this project, and so Checo's been an instrumental part in helping us locate that talent.”

The contract agreement was reached in the summer, but Towriss said there was not a specific desire to try and warn off any would-be suitors, despite links to Williams during middle part of the year.

“No, it really wasn't about that," Towriss said. "He's never wavered. He's been focused on this project. I mean, he calls me after every race. He's got a list of things that he wants to work on, and it's been nothing but push, push, push, and so it was really just wanting to reward that effort that he put in the first year.”

Despite speculation over the team's 2027 driver line-up following Colton Herta’s FP1 outings for Cadillac, Perez is now expected to form part of an unchanged pairing alongside Valtteri Bottas next season.