Sergio Perez is helping Cadillac lure F1 personnel: Network as a strategic weapon

Sergio Perez, after leaving the Red Bull seat at the end of the 2026 season, has not stayed on the sidelines. On the Beyond the Grid podcast, the Mexican driver revealed he is actively assisting the new team Cadillac – representing General Motors (GM) – in recruiting F1 personnel for the 2026 season. This is not just casual advice: Perez has been using his 14-year paddock network to persuade veteran figures to join this ambitious project. Cadillac, the 11th team on the F1 grid, has massive financial and technical backing from GM. However, the most challenging issue is personnel: in the cost cap era, the quality of the technical team is a matter of survival. Existing teams have not reacted favorably to the arrival of the 11th team, as it heats up the labor market, raises staff costs, and creates retention pressure. Perez, with experience from Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point, and Red Bull, possesses a rare multi-dimensional perspective. He not only knows who is suitable but also understands how they think. 'I've been in the paddock for a long time, I know a lot of people. I'm trying to get a few people to Cadillac,' Perez said. He emphasized that he does not have direct hiring power – 'I know my position' – but his strategic advisory role is all the more valuable. A recommendation from a driver who has raced for four different teams, from the bottom to the top of the grid, carries more weight than any recruitment email. Interestingly, Perez does not limit his vision to F1. He points out that GM has experience in IMSA, WEC, IndyCar, and NASCAR. Experts from these series could bring 'fresh ways of thinking' to F1. Perez gives a specific example: McLaren benefited from applying IndyCar ride treatment knowledge, significantly improving ride quality on F1 tracks. If Cadillac can replicate that, they could solve chronic issues like porpoising. However, Perez also issues an important caveat: having knowledge from multiple series is one thing, but there must be a mechanism to deliver those ideas to the track quickly. This is the core organizational-engineering challenge. Cadillac needs to build a pipeline from wind tunnel, simulation, to prototyping to turn the diversity advantage into a real competitive edge. As for the existing teams, their resistance is understandable. In the cost cap era, losing a few senior engineers can weaken the entire development machine. If Cadillac succeeds in attracting talent, other teams will have to enhance compensation and contract terms, even triggering extended gardening leave periods of 6-12 months to delay rivals. However, Perez believes that the 'appetite' to join Cadillac from paddock figures is rising. That is a positive signal that the project is winning the narrative battle. One notable point: Perez may be eyeing a longer-term role after his driving career ends. His public recruitment support, coupled with his constant affirmation that GM has a solid operational setup, suggests he is 'auditioning' for a management or brand ambassador position. If the hires he recommends succeed, Perez's credibility in the eyes of Cadillac management will soar. Of course, risks remain. F1 history has many well-funded new teams that failed due to weak organization (Toyota, HRT, Caterham). Cadillac entering the 2026 season concurrently with a technical regulation revolution (new engines, new chassis) is a strategic advantage, but also a huge challenge in adaptability. If Perez and Cadillac cannot build a strong enough technical team, all the praise will become meaningless. Overall, Perez's involvement as an informal 'recruiter' is a smart move for both him and Cadillac. He leverages his greatest intangible asset – his network – while the new team gains a credible talent channel. The question is: can Cadillac turn those quality referrals into a smooth-running team before the 2026 season? The answer will determine the American team's position in the new era of F1. With GM's backing and Perez's strategic vision, Cadillac is showing they are not just a placeholder team. They want to compete. And if Perez's network continues to deliver, we can expect a surprisingly competitive new team in the coming years.