Sergio Perez maintains experience is the "key" quality his Cadillac team-mate should possess, with the American squad yet to announce who will partner him in F1 next season.
Perez was already on a multi-year deal, but Cadillac repaid the Mexican driver for his performances this campaign nonetheless and has put its faith in him until the end of 2029.
Valtteri Bottas in the sister MAC-26, however, faces a far less certain future. The 10-time grand prix winner has struggled compared to Perez, and with Colton Herta having recently secured his FIA Super Licence, it is unclear whether the top brass at Cadillac will plump for the former IndyCar driver, despite his underwhelming season in F2.
Asked for his stance on the situation, Perez explained why the decision is such a tough call for the fledgling operation to make.
"Obviously, for me, it's a difficult one, because I also know Colton and get on with him," he told media, including RacingNews365.
"They both really deserve the shot, in a way. But I think experience at this stage and this current phase of the project is key.
"Valtteri has been doing a good job; he's been very unlucky in the last few races. And Colton, when he gets the opportunity, it's very hard for him to show his pure talent.
"So I think as a team, it's very tricky to make the decision because with only FP1, it's hard to know what sort of potential there is."
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Perez shares 'all he needs' from team-mate
Perez was adamant that TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss and team principal Marcin Budkowski do not need his input on which option to ultimately pick.
However, he was clear that whoever that driver is, they must be able to contribute and help elevate the team.
"Well, I think they know what they're doing. They don't need my feedback in that regard," Perez insisted. "All I need is someone who comes in and pushes the team forward massively — it's all I need.
"Whoever comes here or is here — either Valtteri or Colton or anyone else — must come here and deliver. We'll see."
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