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Sergio Perez marks 300th F1 start with Cadillac show run in Mexico City

6 sources·Updated 1 hr ago·1446 pts

Sergio Perez will miss a fan forum at the Mexico GP due to illness but is expected to participate in practice.

Perez is the third F1 driver to fall ill at the Mexico GP this weekend.
He is set to compete in his 300th F1 race during the event, highlighting his significance to Mexican fans.
Cadillac has confirmed his absence from media duties but expects him to be ready for Friday practice.

Sergio Perez celebrated a major milestone this weekend as he prepared to start his 300th Formula 1 race at the Mexican Grand Prix, marking the occasion with a special show run through Mexico City. The demonstration, held on the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, saw Perez behind the wheel of a unique car linked to the film “F1: The Movie” rather than a traditional F1 machine. Cadillac, Perez’s team in its debut F1 season, used one of the film’s APX GP cars-based on Formula 2 chassis with bodywork modified by Mercedes-to showcase their driver in front of his home fans.

Perez’s 300th start places him among an elite group of F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Kimi Räikkönen. The milestone was celebrated not only on track but also off it, with Perez visiting General Motors staff in Mexico City and receiving praise from GM president Mark Reuss. Reuss described Perez as a “wonderful representative” for Cadillac and General Motors, highlighting the driver’s contributions in providing valuable feedback as the team navigates its rookie season. Despite Cadillac’s struggles, sitting at the bottom of the championship without points after 18 races, Perez’s commitment was underscored by a contract extension through 2029.

The weekend has not been without challenges for Perez. He missed a scheduled fan forum on Friday due to illness but was still expected to participate in both practice sessions at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. His teammate Valtteri Bottas also missed media duties earlier in the week for similar reasons, with Cadillac prepared to use reserve drivers Colton Herta or Zhou Guanyu if necessary. The team’s cautious approach to their drivers’ health reflects the demanding nature of the 2026 F1 calendar, which Max Verstappen has noted contributes to fatigue and illness among drivers.

Perez’s bond with Mexico runs deep. He is the first Mexican driver on the F1 grid in over three decades and has become a national icon, with passionate support from fans at his home race. His previous home podiums in 2021 and 2022 remain highlights, even as his current team battles to find pace. The show run through the streets of Mexico City, a rare spectacle for F1 fans, was a symbolic moment connecting Perez’s global career back to his roots.

As the Mexican Grand Prix weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Perez to see how he performs in his milestone race. Cadillac’s rookie season continues to be a steep learning curve, but with Perez’s experience and renewed contract, the team looks to build toward a stronger future. The 300th start is not just a personal achievement for Perez but a significant moment for Mexican motorsport and Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1.