Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez has recently completed the preseason testing with Cadillac, marking his return to Formula 1. During the morning session on February 20, Pérez finished in tenth place with a best time of 1:40.842 after completing 61 laps, positioning him almost 9 seconds behind Charles Leclerc, who recorded the fastest time at 1:31.992. The preseason tests in Bahrain were divided into two sets of three days each, from February 11 to 13 and then from February 18 to 20, allowing Pérez to assess the car he will be racing in the upcoming 2026 season.

After finishing his session and handing the car over to his teammate Valtteri Bottas, Pérez spoke to the media about the testing. He expressed confidence in the work his team has done, even though he is currently far behind in lap times. Pérez emphasized the importance of finding the right balance and settings for the car and remains optimistic about the progress the team will make leading into the upcoming season. His comments highlight a sense of determination and readiness to tackle the challenges ahead in his return to F1 with Cadillac.

Pérez's experience and insights during the preseason testing provide critical information for fans and analysts alike, especially as the team prepares for a tough competition in the 2026 F1 season. The clear gap in performance compared to leaders like Leclerc highlights the challenges Cadillac faces but also signals potential for improvement as they refine their vehicle and strategies. Overall, Pérez's positivity and focus on teamwork may serve as a motivating factor for his team as they work through the early stages of the new season.