Cadillac have announced that Sergio Perez will be replaced for FP1 at the Brazilian Grand Prix, though the decision could have huge ramifications for his team-mate, Valtteri Bottas. The new team, entering Formula One for the first time this season, have endured a difficult campaign littered with poor results and worrying incidents, including Bottas’ crash at last week’s Mexican GP.
Perez recently signed a new deal, until 2029, but 26-year-old American driver Colton Herta will step into his car at Interlagos. For Herta, this will be his sixth Friday practice session of the season, as he continues to try and qualify for a F1 seat next season, despite a miserable F2 campaign.
Herta, Cadillac’s reserve driver, received glowing praise from team principal Marcin Budkowski as he prepares to replace Perez.
“I’m also pleased to see Colton return to the MAC-26 for another FP1 outing, stepping in for Checo,” Budkowski said. “His growth in the car across his sessions has been impressive, and his feedback remains invaluable to our 2027 development program.”