Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac F1 team, has revealed the behind-the-scenes details of his interview with Sergio Perez, which led to his selection. Formula One‘s eleventh team recently announced that Perez and Valtteri Bottas would form the driver lineup for the 2026 season.
Cadillac F1 waited a long time in shortlisting candidates, as it reportedly preferred a young driver alongside an F1 veteran. Thus, it conducted extensive interviews through the 2025 season until it signed Perez and Bottas.
The Mexican driver joins Cadillac F1 with a wealth of experience, given his premier class debut in 2011. He has since then partnered with Sauber, Force India/Racing Point, and Red Bull before parting ways with the Milton Keynes-based outfit at the end of 2024.
Towriss revealed that Perez impressed the team with his knowledge and pushed it to cancel the idea of having a young talent alongside Bottas. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 about the questions put to the 35-year-old driver during his interview, as quoted by RacingNews365, Towriss said:
Driver Sergio Perez holds the mexican flag for the media during a press conference at Teatro Telcel on August 27, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Sergio “Checo” Perez will join Cadillac Formula 1 Team in…
Driver Sergio Perez holds the mexican flag for the media during a press conference at Teatro Telcel on August 27, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Sergio “Checo” Perez will join Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026 as one of the drivers alongside Valtteri Bottas. Perez has raced for 14 seasons as part of Sauber, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull teams. (
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“Do you want to race again? Where was he in his career? What were his aspirations? Was he excited about the project? What was he looking to do? What did he have left to prove in his career?”
Towriss revealed that Perez “nailed” the interview, showcasing his F1 experience and knowledge through his answers. He added:
“And so as we went through that meeting, Checo’s experiences really came through. He nailed the meeting. We left really excited about his candidacy.
“I think probably before that, maybe we were looking at a younger driver, but he was fantastic. And the experience really starts to separate itself from those who haven’t been in an [F1] seat yet.”
The Cadillac F1 team confirmed its 2026 F1 driver lineup at the end of last month. Towriss said in the announcement that the signing of Perez and Bottas is “the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.” He stated:
“Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a lineup announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.”
Perez added:
“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor to be part of a building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on.
“I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.”