Sergio Perez ready for Cadillac discovery as F1 'exploration' awaits

Sergio Perez has stated Cadillac has begun to “explore” its car as it prepares to make its debut at the Australian Grand Prix next month.

Cadillac was present in Barcelona earlier this week, where the American squad fielded its new car with Perez and Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel.

Cadillac is expanding the grid to beyond 10 teams for the first time since 2016 this year, joining at the start of a new regulation cycle.

It logged 164 laps at the shakedown - the second fewest, trailing only Aston Martin.

Nevertheless, Perez asserted it was a positive week for Cadillac.

“We had a productive time in Barcelona completing a good amount of running across the three days with valuable information gathered,” Perez said.

“As a team, we’re starting to explore the car, set-ups and the directions we want to be taking. 

“The point of this shakedown is to get more mileage to identify areas to improve that we can address before we go racing.”

Cadillac will return to the track in Bahrain in just over one week for the second pre-season test of the year.

Perez is expecting it to be a busy period for the team as it looks to put itself in the best shape possible for a successful F1 debut.

“There is a lot of work ahead of us, especially being a new team, but it’s an exciting time. 

“I’m really enjoying being back in a team, there’s a great spirit here to move forward.”