Sergio Perez sets lofty target for Cadillac ahead of F1 comeback

Sergio Pérez predicts Cadillac will reach the podium “in the near future.” Betting takeaway: early-season Cadillac podium odds will be long, but punters could find value in long-term markets — back a Cadillac podium in 2026+ or progressive-season props rather than expecting immediate top-three finishes in its debut year.

Pérez predicts Cadillac podium as US outfit races to be ready for F1 debut

Sergio Pérez has expressed confidence that Cadillac will claim a podium “in the near future” after visiting the team’s facilities and testing its simulator. The six-time grand prix winner, making a comeback to Formula 1 next season after a year out, believes Cadillac’s investment and experienced personnel make a top-three finish an achievable short-term goal.

Driver line-up and Pérez’s return

Pérez will return to the grid alongside Valtteri Bottas, forming an experienced pairing with a combined 527 race starts and 16 grand prix wins. Pérez spent time at Cadillac’s Charlotte base and Silverstone factory, worked in the General Motors simulator and is scheduled for a two-day run at Imola in a black Ferrari SF-23 — his first F1 laps since last season’s finale in Abu Dhabi.

Team progress: chassis, staff and schedule

Cadillac recently passed the FIA’s chassis homologation tests and has begun laying up its first two race chassis. Team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed the programme is on schedule. The outfit has recruited high-profile personnel, including a technical director, chief operations officer and an executive engineering consultant, signalling serious investment and long-term ambition.

How Cadillac stacks up in the new Formula 1 era

Cadillac is the first new F1 team in a decade and arrives as the sport adopts smaller, lighter cars with active aerodynamics and a new engine formula. On paper, the new rules level the playing field and Cadillac benefits from fresh engineering resources and strong financial backing. Reality will depend on development pace and race-by-race progress.

Experience versus history: can Cadillac outpace Haas?

Haas, the previous American entrant, has yet to secure a debut podium in ten seasons. Cadillac’s combination of experienced personnel and senior drivers gives it a credible shot at faster progress, but new teams typically face early reliability and development challenges. Expect the team to start toward the back and climb the order as upgrades arrive.

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Betting implications and what punters should consider

Short-term betting: expect long odds on Cadillac securing a podium in its debut season — early race markets will likely overvalue established teams. Long-term value: consider futures and season-progression markets (e.g., “podium in 2026+” or improving constructors’ positions across the season). In-play and development markets: look for value as the team posts reliable race pace or rapid chassis development; progressive improvement can offer favorable odds before markets fully price in gains.

Technical and operational outlook

Cadillac’s heavy investment in staff and infrastructure, plus GM’s backing, reduces the usual financial fragility that hampers new entrants. Key factors to monitor include early reliability, upgrade pace, pit-stop operations and how quickly drivers and engineers synchronize communication and setup approaches during race weekends.

Conclusion

Pérez’s public backing gives Cadillac momentum and a credible narrative for rapid progress. While an immediate podium in the debut year would be optimistic, the team’s resources and experienced personnel make a near-future podium a realistic target — a development that could reshape betting markets as the season unfolds.

Sergio Perez will return to the grid next season with Cadillac.

Planet F1