P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull Chief Engineer Paul Monaghan has tipped Sergio Perez to excel upon his comeback to F1 in 2026 with the brand-new Cadillac team.
Red Bull Chief Engineer Paul Monaghan has high expectations for Sergio Perez’s return to Formula 1 in 2026 with the new Cadillac team. Perez was sidelined last season after struggling to keep up with Max Verstappen in 2024. Cadillac’s entry will expand the grid to 11 teams, and Perez has been selected to lead the American brand’s debut season alongside Valtteri Bottas.
Monaghan, who previously worked with Perez, is confident that the Mexican driver will bounce back stronger after his time off. Meanwhile, Aston Martin Sporting Director Andy Stevenson is pleased to see Perez getting another chance to shine in F1 and believes in his talent on the track.
Despite Cadillac’s cautious approach and the major rule changes for the upcoming season, Stevenson acknowledges the professionalism of the new team and the challenge they pose to established competitors. He emphasizes that overlooking Cadillac would be unwise due to their experienced drivers and solid financial backing.
In a surprising turn of events, Sergio Perez reveals that being axed by Red Bull turned out to be a blessing in disguise, setting the stage for his highly anticipated comeback to the sport.
