Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Sergio Perez has called for a smooth final practice session for Cadillac Formula 1 Team after the squad endured a difficult opening day at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit.
The newest entrant in Formula 1 struggled to complete its planned programme during Friday practice. Perez spun during the opening session, disrupting the team’s early running as it attempted to gather data with its new car.
Cadillac’s difficulties continued in the second practice session when a suspected hydraulics problem forced the Mexican driver to stop on track during the closing stages. Although Perez managed to return the car to the garage, he was unable to record a timed lap in FP2.
Across the entire day, Perez completed just 16 laps, with 14 of those coming in the opening session. The limited mileage left the team short of the data it had hoped to gather ahead of qualifying.
“Unfortunately we had too many issues out there. We couldn’t get any long running, which was important,” Perez said.
“That was the main thing today — not getting enough running. Hopefully tomorrow can be more straightforward. Hopefully we can try the tyres and see what we have.”
There was at least more productive running on the other side of the garage, as team-mate Valtteri Bottas completed 52 laps to provide Cadillac with a baseline set of data for analysis overnight.
However, Perez stressed that meaningful development requires information from both cars, leaving the team eager for a trouble-free FP3 session before qualifying.
“We’re having small issues,” Perez added.
“I don’t know exactly what happened at the end of FP2; it seems like there was an issue with the engine.”
“So hopefully that doesn’t put us on the back foot for tomorrow, and we’re able to have a clean FP3 because we really need some data for tomorrow.”
With limited practice time remaining, Cadillac will focus on resolving the reliability concerns overnight as it prepares for qualifying at the opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Melbourne.
Photo Gallery
Read Also
Max Verstappen damaged the Red Bull RB22 floor after running through gravel during FP2 at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Adrian Newey explains why Honda has struggled at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season with Aston Martin’s new power unit project.
George Russell receives a stewards’ warning at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix after breaching practice start rules and citing sun haze.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!