Sergio Perez's Emotional Team Radio Message After Cadillac F1 2026 Shakedown
Cadillac has released an emotional team radio message from Sergio Perez, the former Red Bull driver and six-time F1 race winner, after the team's shakedown of the 2026 car at Silverstone. The message, relayed to the team at the end of the shakedown, expressed Perez's pride in the team's achievement and his excitement for the future.
In the message, Perez said, "Guys, I’m extremely proud of all of you. This is a very special moment for Cadillac F1 Team. Let’s make history together. Thank you, guys."
The shakedown was a significant milestone for the team, as it marked the first time the 2026 car was driven on the track. Perez, who was at the wheel for the occasion, was joined by teammate Valtteri Bottas, who watched on.
Perez's radio message comes after the Mexican driver admitted that the shakedown has "absolutely fired me up for more" after sitting on the sidelines for the entire 2025 season. In a statement issued to PlanetF1.com by Cadillac, Perez said, "Today was really an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more. I just want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start."
Valtteri Bottas, who is also returning to full-time competition in 2026 after spending last season in a Mercedes reserve role, added, "As a team, we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car taking to the track for the first time. Checo put in the first laps with the car running smoothly. I’m proud of the whole team for getting to this point, which is really impressive. It was special to be part of this moment and witness the joy from the team. Our first day is done and now we push on."
Cadillac will use a special color scheme for the first official pre-season test in Barcelona next week, with the names of team staff incorporated into the design. The team will also reveal its race livery for F1 2026 in an advert to be aired during the Super Bowl on February 8, ahead of the final two tests in Bahrain.
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