“I have a sense that trouble is on the horizon” – 2026 F1 vehicles are “excessively perilous,” Sergio Perez cautions.
Sergio Perez expressed his concerns that “something negative” could occur due to the speed disparity among vehicles with Formula 1’s updated technology.
This became a significant discussion early in the 2026 season, particularly following Oliver Bearman's severe crash during the Japanese Grand Prix. The Haas driver lost control of his car while attempting to avoid a slower Franco Colapinto on the circuit during the race.
The incident regrettably confirmed worries regarding F1’s new power units, which utilize 47% electrical energy, resulting in a considerable variation between cars based on energy distribution.
The FIA took measures during the April break to mitigate this issue, making adjustments to engine regulations that reduced the reliance on lift-and-coast strategies, but Perez disclosed that he experienced a frightening moment in Baku.
“More than anything, it’s a race where we need to thoroughly assess what’s happening with energy management and the differences in engines,” the Cadillac driver remarked after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
“I was on the brink of a significant collision with [Liam] Lawson while defending against him, due to the disparity in power deployment across engines being too hazardous. I’m concerned that something unfortunate will occur soon if we don’t implement some regulatory changes.”
Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
Additional modifications for 2027, which will see the share of electrical power decrease from 47% to 42%, are anticipated to enhance the situation.
“I hope they can narrow the gap,” Perez continued, “because right now, it appears that Mercedes and Red Bull have exceptionally powerful engines, allowing them to overtake in areas where our deployment is significantly weaker. The speed difference poses a considerable risk.”
In the meantime, the Mexican driver is looking ahead to the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia with minimal enthusiasm.
When it was mentioned that Sepang’s high-speed corners might be ‘compromised’ by F1’s 2026 vehicles, Perez replied: “We’d better not discuss it.”
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