The Cadillac Formula 1 team has received two fines after Sergio Perez was caught speeding in the pit lane during the first free practice session (FP1) at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.
Perez Breaches Pit Lane Speed Limit Twice
The Mexican driver exceeded the mandatory 80 km/h pit lane speed limit on two separate occasions during the opening session of the weekend. FIA stewards penalized the American outfit for breaching Article B1.6.3a.i of the FIA F1 regulations.
- First offence: A fine of €700 after Perez was clocked at 86.7 km/h, exceeding the limit by 6.7 km/h.
- Second offence: A heavier penalty of €1,000 after Perez was recorded travelling at 96.7 km/h, exceeding the limit by 16.7 km/h.
Difficult Debut Season Continues for Cadillac
The infractions come amid a challenging inaugural campaign for the Cadillac squad. As the team works to adapt to the championship, it has grappled with significant reliability issues. In the drivers’ standings, Perez currently sits 23rd while his team-mate Valtteri Bottas occupies 22nd place; both drivers have yet to score a point.
Madrid Debut: The Madring Circuit
The first practice session in Madrid also marked the first time Formula 1 drivers tackled the Madring circuit. Built around the IFEMA Madrid exhibition centre and the nearby Valdebebas district, the venue operates a semi-street circuit layout. The track features a mix of tight zones and high-speed straights, highlighted by a banked, sweeping curve named “La Monumental”.
Perez: “A Proper Race Track”
Speaking to the media ahead of the race weekend, Perez offered his initial impressions based on simulator work:
“The track itself is a proper race track, from what I’ve seen,” Perez told the media ahead of the race weekend. “I haven’t been on the circuit yet, but from what I’ve seen on the simulator, it’s a proper track.
“It’s a bit scary, I’ll say. It reminds me a bit of Jeddah. Good, proper track, really happy to be here, and I think the atmosphere here is going to be one of the best.”
FP1 Results
The 36-year-old concluded the session with the 21st fastest time, finishing only ahead of team-mate Bottas.
