Sergio Perez Confirmed for Cadillac 2027; Team Weighs Bottas vs. Herta for Second Seat

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Sergio Perez will remain at Cadillac through at least the 2027 Formula 1 season, while the team faces a tough choice over who will join him as teammate next year. The decision comes down to Valtteri Bottas, the current race driver, and Colton Herta, the team’s IndyCar race winner and Formula 2 competitor who has been gaining F1 experience through practice sessions.

Perez, speaking after recent races, acknowledged the challenge Cadillac faces in selecting its second driver. Neither Bottas nor Herta has scored points in 2026, with Bottas’s best finish a 13th place. Perez has outqualified Bottas 10-8 this season and in races where both finished, Bottas was ahead only once. Meanwhile, Herta, despite struggling in F2 where he sits 19th in the standings, has impressed in his F1 practice outings by providing valuable feedback and showing growing speed as he spends more time in the car and simulator.

“It’s not an easy decision for the team,” Perez said. “I’m working well with Valtteri, and he’s shown strong pace, like in Austin. Colton is doing a good job in his F1 role, bringing good information, which is all we need from him.” He emphasized that the final call rests with team principal Marcin Budkowski, who will analyze all data to determine the best path forward for Cadillac’s future.

The team’s priority remains rapid development for the 2027 season, a critical period as regulations evolve and competition intensifies. Perez highlighted that the next few months will be crucial for the team’s progress, signaling that driver decisions will factor into preparations but ultimately hinge on what Budkowski believes will best advance Cadillac’s competitiveness.

Herta’s presence in F1 practice sessions is part of a broader effort to prepare him for a potential full-time seat. His ongoing development contrasts with Bottas’s established but currently underwhelming performance in race results. Perez’s comments suggest the team values both experience and potential, making the final choice a complex one.

Cadillac’s decision will shape its driver lineup as it seeks to build momentum in a fiercely competitive midfield. Perez’s contract extension secures stability at one end of the garage, while the Bottas-versus-Herta debate remains open. Fans and insiders will be watching closely as the team weighs proven consistency against emerging talent in the lead-up to 2027.