Sergio Pérez has criticized Cadillac's reliability struggles, labeling them 'unacceptable' after a disappointing Austrian Grand Prix. On the weekend of the race, Pérez suffered his 'worst weekend' so far in 2026.
What happened?
The Austrian Grand Prix was expected to be an opportunity for Cadillac to demonstrate progress with its new aerodynamic upgrade package. However, the team's hopes were dashed when both Pérez and teammate Valtteri Bottas retired within the opening four laps due to brake overheating issues.
Why it matters for Sergio Pérez
Pérez expressed his frustration, stating that the team had taken 'four or five steps backwards'. He emphasized the need for a thorough review of the team's processes, particularly when it comes to upgrades.
The brake problems were not apparent during practice, but the combination of hot conditions and running behind other cars created an uncontrollable issue once the race began. This failure follows a series of recent reliability headaches, including Pérez's suspension problem in Montreal and Bottas' brake pedal issue during practice in Barcelona.
What comes next?
Pérez remains optimistic that the team can resolve its reliability issues, expecting a 'massive step forward' at the upcoming Silverstone race. He believes the latest upgrade package can still provide valuable insights into unlocking the car's potential, but only if Cadillac can keep its cars running.
Pérez and Bottas' retirements meant that Cadillac left Austria without meaningful mileage from either car, leaving more questions than answers. The team's inability to complete races has hindered its progress, making every completed race valuable for gathering data.
Bottas shared Pérez's frustration, admitting that the brake failure arrived without warning after encouraging practice running. 'No warning,' he said. 'Everything was under control in practice. We did more than 10 laps in a row, that's normally more than enough to get the peak temperature at the beginning of the race.'
The Mexican driver acknowledged that difficulties are inevitable for a new operation but made it clear that the lack of visible improvement has become the biggest source of disappointment. Pérez is confident that the team will be able to sort out its issues for upcoming races.
And with the Silverstone race approaching, Pérez is focused on making progress. So the team will need to work hard to resolve its reliability problems. The Austrian Grand Prix was a setback, but Pérez remains hopeful that the team can turn things around.
Pérez's comments came after a frustrating weekend, where the team had expected to make a step forward with its new upgrade package. But instead, the reliability issues hindered the team's progress. The driver's frustration is understandable, given the team's struggles so far in 2026.
The team's struggles have been well-documented, with reliability issues plaguing the team throughout the season. But Pérez remains optimistic that the team can resolve its issues and make progress. The upcoming Silverstone race will be a crucial test for the team, as it looks to bounce back from its disappointing Austrian Grand Prix