Exclusive: Sergio Perez identifies key area Cadillac must strengthen in 'not enough' plea

Sergio Perez was never under any illusion that Cadillac's maiden voyage in F1 would be without its hiccups and setbacks whilst fighting at the tail end of the grid, constantly learning and developing for a more competitive future.

Developing a team from the ground up while simultaneously trying to establish itself in one of the world's most competitive sporting environments was always going to demand patience. Results would come eventually, but only if the foundations beneath them were strong enough.

Several months into its first F1 season, there are encouraging signs, like Perez coming tantalisingly — and painfully — close to scoring the team's first point at the Monaco Grand Prix, cruelly denied by a time penalty.

Cadillac has shown flashes of promise, avoided looking overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge, despite difficulties, and continued to expand its infrastructure behind the scenes, with its permanent headquarters in Fishers, Indiana, taking shape alongside its existing Silverstone base and long-term power unit project in North Carolina.

For Perez, however, encouragement alone is not enough. He is here to compete, having already proven to himself that he can still race at this level.

The 36-year-old returned to Formula 1 this year after a season away from the grid, bringing with him the experience of more than a decade in grand prix racing, six victories and spells with Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull.

It also meant that whilst returning to familiar territory, he is helping build a project rather than joining an established front or midfield runner.

Reflecting on Cadillac's opening campaign, Perez believes the outfit has made a stronger start than many may have anticipated.

"Obviously it's been a challenge, starting with a new team," Perez says during his exclusive interview with RacingNews365. "[There were] a lot of things that we had to find and to find ourselves. But it has been a really good start of the year.

"We're building the foundations together with the team. We are finding a lot of stuff that was very obvious as a new team, and I think the good thing is that I've been delivering at a good level."

Fostering an 'extremely competitive' environment

For a driver who spent four seasons fighting for constructors' championships at Red Bull, it would be easy to assume the adjustment to life further down the order has required a significant mental reset.

Instead, Perez insists the satisfaction comes not from immediate results, but from the mentality shared throughout Cadillac's operation.

When asked if this new adventure provides him enough joy, he takes the opportunity to send a clear message: that neither he nor the team is content with simply participating in F1; they want more.

"It does, because I'm sharing it with people that are extremely competitive, same as me," he replies.

"It's not like we're just happy to be here; we're all pushing extremely hard, and that, to me, has been the most important thing, and a good one — to be able to push everything forwards in the right direction.

"Obviously, it's easy to say it, but the last few races have been painful. But I want to see more performance coming. I want to see more development. I think what I've seen so far is not enough."

Pinpointing what has been 'missing'

That final assessment is perhaps the most revealing. Throughout Formula 1 history, new entrants have often accepted short-term pain as the inevitable cost of long-term success. Cadillac is no different.

The team continues to operate while growing multiple facilities across two continents. Its Silverstone base remains central to current operations, while the purpose-built headquarters in Indiana will eventually become the heart of the project.

At the same time, work continues in North Carolina as General Motors prepares for Cadillac to become a full power unit manufacturer later this decade.

For Perez, those facilities cannot arrive quickly enough, which will help to streamline and enhance operations. When questioned on what the team is still lacking most at this stage of its journey, his answer is immediate.

"Development," he responds instantly. "Building that foundation of having more of a straight line back from the factory and to the track.

"I think it's something that we've been missing."

His words reflect the daunting reality of entering into Formula 1, even at the start of a new regulations cycle and even — and perhaps especially — during the cost cap era. It is akin to stepping into arguably the fastest-moving stream on Earth.

Perez is realistic about that challenge, but, equally, he is unwilling to hide behind it. Both he and the team are laying foundations to compete, whilst fostering a fiercely competitive culture.

But the time to take the next step is fast approaching.