Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss has made clear that Sergio Perez’s value to the American outfit extends well beyond what the Mexican delivers behind the wheel, insisting his contribution to building the fledgling operation made extending his contract an easy decision.
Cadillac announced a long-term agreement with Perez at the Mexico City Grand Prix, securing the 36-year-old's services until 2029.
While the former Red Bull driver has made a convincing return to F1 following a year away from the sport, Towriss believes his influence on the team's development has been just as significant as his performances.
Indeed, the American executive suggested that rewarding Perez's commitment was never in serious doubt.
“He's been so instrumental in the development of this team in the early stages, and really just seeing Checo's commitment to the team, he deserved the extension, and so it made sense to do that,” Towriss said.
“As we were working on the extension, realizing it was his 300th race happening at his home race in Mexico, it was kind of the perfect time to bring all these pieces together.
More than just a driver
For Towriss, Perez's importance lies in his willingness to become deeply involved in the construction of an operation that faces the considerable challenge of establishing itself against ten established rivals.
Beyond providing technical direction through his feedback on the car, the Mexican has also become an important ambassador for Cadillac, using his connections to help attract people to the project.
“Besides the results on track, the feedback on the car, it's also like, from a personnel standpoint, I think he's been helping to generate interest in the team, and just using his network,” said Towriss, quoted by RACER.
“And he's just constantly pushing us to think about, as we expand... because no team is going to change more on the grid than Cadillac Formula 1 team; it's a brand new team, we have to evolve. And more people are becoming interested in this project, and so Checo's been an instrumental part in helping us locate that talent.”
A reward, not a defensive move
The agreement was reached during the summer, amid speculation linking Perez with a possible move to Williams. Towriss, however, dismissed suggestions that Cadillac was motivated by a desire to fend off rival interest.
“No, it really wasn't about that," Towriss said. "He's never wavered. He's been focused on this project. I mean, he calls me after every race.
“He's got a list of things that he wants to work on, and it's been nothing but push, push, push, and so it was really just wanting to reward that effort that he put in the first year.”
Read also: Shock move? TWG said to explore Cadillac F1 share saleWith Colton Herta having made several FP1 appearances, questions had emerged over Cadillac's longer-term driver plans.
Perez's extension, however, points towards continuity, with the Mexican expected to remain alongside Valtteri Bottas in an unchanged line-up for 2027.
For a team still laying its foundations, Towriss clearly sees Perez as much more than an experienced pair of hands: he is helping build the organisation itself.
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