Sergio Perez will miss the F1 Mexico GP fan forum as a result of health issues.
Sergio Perez will miss the fan forum at this weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix, but he is still anticipated to participate in both Friday practice sessions at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
The Cadillac driver has been confirmed to be unwell ahead of his home race, which follows team-mate Valtteri Bottas's absence from Thursday’s media day due to illness.
Bottas is expected to be at the track as usual on Friday, although his car will be handed over to test driver Colton Herta for the opening practice as part of the American’s effort to secure a super licence.
“Checo Perez will regrettably be unable to attend today’s fan forum at his home grand prix due to illness,” stated a Cadillac announcement.
“Both he and the team extend their apologies to all the fans who have come out to see him. Checo and the team have decided to allow him extra time to rest and recuperate this morning, ahead of today’s on-track activities.
“His involvement in the rest of the race weekend, including FP1 and FP2, remains unaffected. Team-mate Valtteri Bottas will handle all media responsibilities and take part in Free Practice 2 today as scheduled.
“We appreciate our fans for their understanding and support and look forward to seeing you on the track.”
Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
If Perez is not fit enough for FP1, it is likely that Bottas will participate in that session with Herta taking over Perez's Cadillac, while reserve driver Zhou Guanyu is also present in Mexico.
This means Cadillac has alternatives in case neither of its full-time drivers can compete, with Zhou still awaiting his F1 return since departing Sauber after a challenging 2024 season.
This season has been particularly difficult for the American team, which, in its debut season, sits at the bottom of the championship with no points from 18 grands prix and is notably the slowest team on the grid.
However, that hasn't deterred Perez from signing a contract extension, as it was revealed on Wednesday that the six-time grand prix victor has extended his contract until 2029.
This announcement comes ahead of his anticipated 300th grand prix start this weekend, while Bottas's status for 2027 is still yet to be confirmed.
The opening practice is set to begin at 12:30pm local time, with FP2 following three-and-a-half hours later.
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