In only their third Formula 1 weekend, Cadillac brought both cars home at the Japanese Grand Prix — a result that speaks volumes for a team that did not exist 18 months ago. Sergio Perez finished 17th on the lead lap at Suzuka, with team-mate Beltran Boss completing the race in 19th.
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17th |
3rd |
2/2 |
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Perez finish, on lead lap |
Race as an F1 team |
Cars finished |
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Race performance: a team learning fast
The weekend began with a collision between Perez and Alex Albon in free practice, costing precious setup time. Energy deployment problems restricted both cars to the back row in qualifying, though the team notably outqualified both Aston Martins for the first time. Critically, engineers resolved the deployment issues overnight — a telling sign of an operation capable of rapid problem-solving.
“Today was our strongest race so far this year. We were clearly faster than Aston Martin.” — Sergio Perez, after the Japanese Grand Prix
Where Cadillac actually stands
Honesty remains the team’s sharpest tool. Perez was 1.3 seconds from the Q2 cutoff in qualifying — a significant pace deficit that no reliability gain alone will close. Engineering consultant Pat Symonds acknowledged the team is still building its aerodynamic baseline, focused on putting load on the car before chasing refinements.
Miami: the real test begins
Team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed an upgrade package for the Miami Grand Prix — Cadillac’s first race on home soil. The team unveiled their livery during the Super Bowl and is producing a documentary with Keanu Reeves, building a fan base with long-term thinking that rivals their on-track ambition. For a three-race-old team, the commercial execution is already ahead of several established rivals.
With a partisan crowd, upgrade package, and Perez’s formidable Latin American fanbase descending on South Florida, Miami represents the clearest indicator yet of whether Cadillac can begin to close the gap to the midfield.
▶ Watch: Cadillac F1 Suzuka Review — Full Breakdown — Perez’s race, the upgrade for Miami, and where this team really stands.
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