Sergio Perez issues Cadillac teammate verdict as Herta earns super licence

Sergio Perez has revealed a key attribute that his 2027 Cadillac must possess, with Colton Herta and Valtteri Bottas both in the frame for the seat.

Herta achieved the points total required for his super licence by completing 100km of clean running at Interlagos in FP1.

Sergio Perez weighs in on Cadillac driver quandary

When Cadillac joined the F1 grid this year, it turned away from fielding a rookie driver or one with limited experience, and instead went for two of the most experienced hands available.

This has been crucial to the team’s ability to overcome difficulties in a tough maiden season, with Cadillac able to draw on feedback gained through years of top-end F1 competition with Red Bull and Mercedes.

But now, Cadillac is weighing up its options for 2027. With Perez already signed on a fresh deal, Bottas appears to be in direct competition with development driver Herta. While other names such as Mercedes reserve Fred Vesti are also in the mix, the race for the seat is primarily a two-horse contest.

Giving his thoughts, Perez said: “Well, obviously for me it’s a difficult one, you know, because I also know Colton and get on with him.

“Obviously, they both really deserve the shot, in a way.”

However, there was one key requirement that Perez could not escape, and it puts the ball firmly in Bottas’ court.

He added: “But I think experience at this stage and this current phase of the project, it’s key.

“I think Valtteri has been doing a good job. He’s been very unlucky in the last few races.”

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Herta has completed six FP1 sessions this year, with Cadillac desperate to get him across the line with his super licence as, without this, he would not be available as an F1 option.

With significant points set to drop from his name at the end of the current campaign, and none set to be added from a woeful F2 season, this year has the hallmarks of a last-chance saloon as far as a shot at F1 is concerned.

“Colton, when he gets the opportunity, it’s very hard for him to show his pure talent,” said Perez.

“You know, so I think as a team, it’s very tricky to make the decision because with only FP1s, it’s hard to know what sort of potential there is.”

Asked if the team had asked for his feedback on drivers, Perez confirmed: “I think they know what they’re doing.

“They don’t need my feedback in that regard; all I need is someone that comes in and pushes the team forward massively. It’s all I need.

“Whoever comes here or is here, it’s either Valtteri, Colton or anyone else, must come here and deliver, and we’ll see.”

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