Perez backs Cadillac's new hires after basic MAC-26 start

Sergio Perez has welcomed the signings of Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin and Tim Lean to the Cadillac F1 team, saying they show how serious the team is about Formula 1. He described the MAC-26, Cadillac's current car, as "very basic" given that it is the team's first challenger, and said he has every hope the team will move forward next year.

Perez worked with Skinner at Red Bull, where Skinner spent two decades rising to chief designer and oversaw the RB19. Perez said Skinner made a significant difference to his car's floor, recalling how a change helped stabilise the entry into Baku before the floor was damaged in a crash with Carlos Sainz.

Skinner joins as chief development engineer, Blandin becomes head of aero after roles at Red Bull, Mercedes and most recently Aston Martin, and Lean takes the position of chief engineer for aerodynamics modelling and simulation. Teammate Valtteri Bottas also welcomed the recruits, saying the team needs experienced people.