Key Highlights
- Sergio Perez has been ruled out of Friday’s fan forum at the Mexico Grand Prix due to illness, but Cadillac expects him to participate in both practice sessions.
- Cadillac team-mate Valtteri Bottas is scheduled to handle media duties and run in Free Practice 2, with test driver Colton Herta piloting his car in Free Practice 1.
- Reserve driver Zhou Guanyu is on-site in Mexico City as a standby option if either primary driver cannot compete.
Home favourite Sergio Perez will miss scheduled fan forum appearances ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez after falling ill. Despite the setback, the Cadillac Racing driver is still scheduled to get behind the wheel for both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2 on Friday.
Perez’s condition follows a difficult buildup for the American outfit in Mexico City, coming just after team-mate Valtteri Bottas was forced to skip Thursday’s official media obligations due to his own bout of illness. Bottas is slated to return to track duties on Friday, though he will sit out the opening session to make way for American test driver Colton Herta, who is running FP1 to accumulate points toward an FIA super licence.
Cadillac Details Contingency and Driver Line-Up Plans
Cadillac confirmed the situation regarding Perez on Friday morning via an official statement, expressing regret to local supporters gathered at the circuit while emphasizing that additional rest is intended to protect the driver’s weekend participation:
“Checo Perez will unfortunately be unable to attend today’s fan forum at his home grand prix due to illness,” read a Cadillac statement.
“Both he and the team apologise to all the fans who have come out to see him. Checo and the team has taken the decision to allow him additional time to rest and recover this morning, ahead of today’s on-track sessions.
“His participation in the remainder of the race weekend, including FP1 and FP2, is not affected. Team-mate Valtteri Bottas will fulfil all media duties and take part in Free Practice 2 today as planned.
“We thank our fans for their understanding and support and look forward to seeing you on track.”
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Should Perez’s physical condition deteriorate ahead of opening practice at 12:30pm local time, Cadillac holds contingency options. The team could shuffle Bottas directly back into the opening session while handing Perez’s cockpit to Herta. Furthermore, Cadillac reserve driver Zhou Guanyu is on-site at the paddock. Zhou, who has remained on the sidelines since departing Sauber at the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 championship, remains available should neither regular race driver be cleared to participate.
Why This Matters
This race weekend represents an important milestone for both Perez and Cadillac. The Mexican veteran is set to make his 300th grand prix start in front of his passionate home crowd, having just cemented his long-term future by signing a contract extension through 2029. That agreement came as a major vote of confidence during what has proved to be a challenging rookie campaign for Cadillac Racing.
The squad currently sits 10th and last in the constructors’ championship with zero points across 18 grands prix, consistently operating at the back of the grid. Navigating physical illness for both Perez and Bottas—whose seat is not yet guaranteed for 2027—adds further strain to an operation searching for its first championship points while managing development mileage for prospect Colton Herta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Sergio Perez participate in practice sessions for the Mexico Grand Prix?
Yes. Although Sergio Perez withdrew from Friday morning’s fan forum to rest, Cadillac confirmed that his on-track schedule—covering both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2—remains unchanged.
Why is Colton Herta driving during Free Practice 1?
American driver Colton Herta is running in Friday’s opening practice session using Valtteri Bottas’s Cadillac car as part of his ongoing campaign to earn an FIA super licence.
Who is the reserve option if Sergio Perez or Valtteri Bottas cannot drive?
Cadillac has reserve driver Zhou Guanyu present at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit. Zhou has been on standby for an F1 return since parting ways with Sauber after the 2024 season.
