News Summary
- Sergio Pérez finished 16th in his 300th Formula 1 Grand Prix, unable to score points for Cadillac in front of his home crowd in Mexico.
- The Mexican climbed to 13th before a wheel-gun problem caused a slow pit stop, costing valuable positions.
- Further pit-stop difficulties and a penalty linked to a sensor issue compromised his recovery, while teammate Valtteri Bottas retired after a heavy crash.
Sergio Pérez has explained how a wheel-gun failure, pit-stop difficulties and a penalty prevented Cadillac from capitalising on its strongest moments during the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix. The Mexican driver finished 16th on Sunday (November 1), missing out on points in his 300th Formula 1 start despite briefly climbing to 13th in front of his home supporters.
Cadillac demonstrated encouraging race pace at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, but Pérez admitted that operational problems prevented the team from converting that improvement into a stronger result.
Pérez reveals wheel-gun failure during crucial pit stop
Pérez made a strong start and gained positions during the opening stint, moving into the midfield battle.
The Mexican reached 13th and successfully defended against several rivals before stopping for tyres.
However, a problem with the wheel-changing equipment delayed his pit stop and cost him the positions gained on track.
“Unfortunately, a slow pit stop due to an issue with one of the wheel guns cost us valuable track position and ultimately compromised our race,” Pérez said in Cadillac’s post-race statement.
Speaking to Mexican media, he explained that a problem with the right-side wheel gun cost the team approximately four or five seconds.
The setback pushed Pérez back into traffic, making his recovery more difficult.
Cadillac penalty compounds difficult home race
Pérez regained positions during the second stint, but further incidents and another pit-stop sequence complicated his afternoon.
The Cadillac driver also received a time penalty connected to a sensor issue.
“We fought back in the second stint, but further incidents and a time penalty caused by a sensor issue, made things difficult,” he explained.
Team principal Marcin Budkowski acknowledged that equipment problems had affected both Cadillac drivers during their pit stops.
He admitted that the team had fallen short of the operational standards required to convert its improving competitiveness into a result.
Pérez eventually finished 16th after the post-race penalties imposed on other drivers, completing all 71 laps.
The revised Mexican Grand Prix classification left Cadillac without championship points.
Bottas crash adds to Cadillac’s Mexico disappointment
Cadillac’s race was further disrupted when Valtteri Bottas suffered a heavy accident at Turn 1.
The Finnish driver lost control after an apparent front suspension failure and crashed into the barriers, triggering a Safety Car and subsequently a red flag.
Bottas was able to leave the car without assistance and was released from the circuit’s Medical Centre after precautionary examinations.
Cadillac confirmed that it would investigate the cause of the failure.
Despite the disappointing result, Pérez highlighted the progress made by the American team during its debut season.
“It was great to be able to race competitively and fight with some of the faster cars,” he said.
He also thanked the Mexican supporters for their reception during his milestone weekend.
The Mexican believes Cadillac can build on the performance shown at its home race, even though the team remains without championship points.
The next event is the São Paulo Grand Prix on November 6–8, where Cadillac will attempt to turn its improved race pace into a stronger result.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the São Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.
