Sergio Perez says he has tried to “influence” some of Cadillac’s recruitment decisions ahead of the team’s first Formula 1 season, offering feedback on potential targets and highlighting personnel he believes could strengthen the new American outfit.
Cadillac’s arrival as Formula 1’s 11th team has expanded the championship’s employment market, while also intensifying competition for engineers and other staff. That competition was one reason several established teams reacted negatively to the prospect of a new entrant.
Perez has driven for Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point and Red Bull, giving him working relationships with a significant portion of the F1 paddock. He therefore has a strong understanding of which potential recruits could provide Cadillac with a substantial boost.
Perez offers Cadillac recruitment advice
Speaking on the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast, Perez explained that he does not have the authority to make hiring decisions but has been prepared to make recommendations as interest in Cadillac continues to grow.
“I mean, I obviously know a lot of good people out there, you know, I’ve been in this paddock for a long time,” Perez said.
“I’ve been trying to get a few people, of course, but at the end of the day, you have to also know your position. And I am not the one that takes those decisions on who I bring and who I hire.
“It is not my role. But I obviously try to influence and try to tell the team, I mean, ‘I think this guy will be good if he comes’ and so on. And all I can see is that the appetite for Cadillac around the paddock is rising every time.
“And that’s something good to have as a Formula 1 team.”
Perez also believes General Motors’ arrival in Formula 1 has been a major benefit for Cadillac. He pointed to the US automotive giant’s extensive motorsport experience across its various brands as another potential advantage for the team.
According to Perez, knowledge from other racing series could introduce new ideas and methods to Formula 1. He compared that potential cross-series benefit with the relationship between McLaren’s Formula 1 and IndyCar operations.
“I do believe [in GM’s operational set-up] because GM, it’s a manufacturer that has done motorsport for their entire career,” Perez said. “And the level of competitiveness in the US, it’s extremely high.
“I mean, they’ve been very helpful in a lot of ways. We’ve been able to learn stuff from them. I think as a team, we have to be open.
“You know, there’s a lot we can learn from other series, other ways of doing things. For example, McLaren was able to get advantage from their IndyCar team a few years ago with how they were treating the ride and stuff like that. So there’s always room to improve and learn things.
“I think as long as you have your mechanism very clear and you are able to deliver the idea quickly to the track, then that’s positive.”
