Perez won Cadillac F1 seat after ‘nailing’ interview, says Towriss

Cadillac F1 boss Dan Towriss has revealed that Sergio Perez’s impressive interview performance was decisive in convincing the team to sign the Mexican over a younger prospect for its 2026 Formula 1 debut.

The General Motors-backed outfit stunned many by confirming a veteran line-up of Perez and Valtteri Bottas earlier this summer. With 527 Grands Prix and 16 wins between them, the pair bring experience in spades — but as Towriss admitted, that wasn’t always the plan.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during final practice at Monza, Towriss explained that Perez’s motivation was at the core of Cadillac’s evaluation.

“Do you want to race again? You know, like just where was he at in his career? What were his aspirations?” Towriss revealed. “And was he excited about the project? And what was he looking to do? What did he have left to prove in his career?”

Those questions, he explained, drew out a side of Perez that quickly impressed Cadillac’s leadership.

“He nailed the meeting”

Towriss admitted the former Red Bull charger’s answers almost immediately shifted the team’s original recruitment strategy.

“As we went through that meeting, those experiences really came through. I mean, he nailed the meeting. We left really excited about his candidacy,” recounted the Cadillac chief.

“I think probably before that, maybe we're looking at a younger driver. But he was fantastic. And the experience really starts to separate itself from those who haven't been in the seat yet.”

That experience will now form the backbone of Cadillac’s inaugural campaign, with Perez and Bottas both expected to provide steady leadership while guiding the team through F1’s 2026 regulations reset.

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Towriss’s comments underscore the team’s belief that experience will be their greatest asset as they navigate the challenges of a new F1 program.

Perez’s ability to articulate his vision and enthusiasm during that pivotal interview not only secured his seat but also reshaped Cadillac’s approach, proving that in Formula 1, sometimes a veteran’s wisdom outshines the promise of youth.

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