Sergio Perez’s opening day of the 2026 F1 season did not go according to plan.
Sergio Perez expressed the importance of having a trouble-free third practice session for Cadillac before qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix. The team faced challenges during the opening day at Albert Park, with Perez spinning during the first practice. A suspected hydraulics issue further hampered Cadillac’s performance during the second practice, forcing Perez to stop on track near the end. Despite returning to the garage, Perez did not set a timed lap in the second practice session, limiting the team’s data collection. Perez emphasized the need for more running and a smoother day ahead, hoping to gather crucial information for the upcoming qualifying sessions. While Valtteri Bottas managed to provide some valuable data with 52 laps completed, Perez remains optimistic that the team can address their issues and have a productive final practice before qualifying.
