Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Sergio Perez has admitted responsibility for an early collision with team-mate Valtteri Bottas during the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit. The incident marked the first on-track clash between the two drivers since joining forces at the new Cadillac F1 Team.
The contact occurred as the pair exited the Turn 2 loop heading into Turn 3. Perez attempted an overtaking move on the inside line, but the maneuver resulted in contact between the two cars, compromising both of their races early in the event.
Perez immediately accepted full responsibility for the incident, explaining that he misjudged the available space during the attempted overtake.
“That was all on me. I saw the gap and went for it, but looking back at it, Valtteri had nowhere to go,” Perez told media including RacingNews365.
The contact caused Perez to spin and lose significant time, dropping him down the order. Despite the setback, the Mexican driver managed to recover and rejoin the field, continuing the race alongside his team-mate.
Further difficulties followed during the second stint when Perez attempted another move on Bottas using the car’s overtake mode. At that moment, he experienced a loss of engine and battery power that cost him several seconds.
“I managed to come back to the field, but in the second stint I was about to overtake Valtteri with the overtake mode on when I suddenly lost the engine and the battery. I lost around five seconds, and later I lost another 15 to 20 seconds,” Perez explained.
Although the result was disappointing, Perez pointed out that the team could at least take a positive from both cars finishing the race.
“The positive is that we finished with both cars. The negative is that we still have a lot to learn in many areas to make sure we don’t lose track position and arrive at races better prepared.”
Perez also described how incidents involving team-mates are among the most difficult situations for drivers.
“It’s the worst feeling you can have, both for myself and for the team,” he said.
“Luckily nothing serious happened. It was simply a misjudgment from my side.”
Despite the clash, there were no lingering tensions between the two drivers. With both Perez and Bottas bringing significant experience to the new Cadillac project, the incident was handled professionally within the team.
Perez emphasized the importance of acknowledging mistakes and maintaining respect between team-mates in competitive situations.
“There are no bad intentions between team-mates. When you look at the incident, it’s important to apologise and recognise that you made a mistake.”
Bottas ultimately finished the race in 13th place, aided by several retirements ahead, while Perez crossed the line in 15th and last. The result highlighted the learning curve still facing Cadillac in its debut Formula 1 season.
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