Sergio Perez recently responded to an off-camera prediction made by Pat Symonds, a new technical consultant for Cadillac F1. The forecast suggests that the revisions planned for the 2026 Formula 1 cars will better suit Lewis Hamilton’s driving style. This insight was shared by Sky F1’s Craig Slater during an appearance on ‘The F1 Show,’ where Perez considered the current challenges Hamilton faces adapting to new machinery, especially after his switch to Ferrari.
The discussion revolves around the significant changes coming to Formula 1 regulations in 2026, which could reshape the competitive landscape. With Hamilton joining Ferrari for the 2025 season and Perez moving to Cadillac alongside Valtteri Bottas, both drivers are preparing for new opportunities tied to these rule shifts. The evolving car design and power unit changes are expected to bring fresh challenges and chances for drivers to adapt and possibly excel.
Assessing Hamilton’s Challenge at Ferrari and Prospects Ahead
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marked an attempt to rejuvenate his Formula 1 career, which is already historic due to his seven World Championships. Despite this, the partnership has yet to yield significant results, with Hamilton still searching for his first podium in the iconic Scuderia red. Meanwhile, teammate Charles Leclerc has secured five podium finishes and even achieved a surprise pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix, highlighting the uneven progress within the team.
Since the ground effect era began in 2022, Hamilton’s performance has been more modest, with only two Grand Prix victories, contrasting sharply with his earlier dominance at Mercedes, where he won six titles between 2014 and 2020. The pending 2026 update to both chassis and engine regulations offers Hamilton and Ferrari a chance to alter their trajectory. As Perez noted, the current cars are difficult to manage, making adaptation key for success.
I think this era of cars that we’re currently in, with the ground effect cars, it’s been tricky,
Perez observed.
He added,
But, I think, with Lewis, you’ve seen it, he’s done a tremendous job at Mercedes when they didn’t have a competitive car. I think for him, at the end of an era, to be changing teams and getting to adapt has been tricky.
But obviously, he’s a fantastic driver. And for sure, he’ll figure it out. I think we’ve seen it with many different drivers, that it’s all about adapting a car into a driving style that sometimes it just takes a little bit longer than others.
The Outlook for Perez and Bottas at Cadillac in 2026
Alongside Hamilton’s challenges, Perez is also preparing for a fresh start as he moves to the new Cadillac F1 team for 2026, partnering with Valtteri Bottas. Both drivers bring extensive experience and motivation to the American outfit, which aims to be competitive under the new regulations. Perez expressed confidence in the pairing’s potential and eagerness to contribute feedback as the team develops.
Definitely I think it’s going to work well,
Perez said.
We are both very competitive. We are both very, very hungry.
We’ve seen it all in the sport as well, which I think definitely helps. But we are very motivated to give feedback.
Having stepped away from racing during 2025 after leaving Red Bull, Perez recognizes the benefit of a break, while Bottas remained engaged as Mercedes’ reserve driver. This continuity could provide a stable foundation for Cadillac as they enter Formula 1’s new era.
Obviously, Valtteri is like half in already,
Perez noted.
I’m really happy to be out of the sport for a year.
I’m not looking forward to go to any races this year, to be honest. I’m happy to see them from the TV, because there’s a lot of races coming up for us in the next years.
Anticipated Impact of 2026 Regulation Changes on Drivers and Teams
The upcoming 2026 changes in Formula 1 include revised chassis and power unit rules, designed to promote closer racing and more strategic diversity. This regulatory shift is expected to disrupt current team hierarchies and potentially favor drivers who adapt quickly to new driving demands. Symonds, with whom Perez discussed these predictions, expressed optimism not only about Hamilton but also about Perez’s own capacity to thrive under the new framework.
I’ve done well in previous eras,
Perez stated.
So yeah, I do expect that the new regulations will suit my style.
Perez’s remarks underscore the momentum and determination both drivers share as they prepare for a pivotal season that could redefine their careers and team fortunes. The Cadillac squad’s formation and the Ferrari-Hamilton equation will be major storylines as F1 moves toward its 2026 season, with eager eyes watching how familiar names adjust to significant technical evolution.
