Checo Perez will miss the fan forum for this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, though he still plans to take part in both Friday practice sessions at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
The Mexican‑born racer is confirmed ill ahead of his home race, following teammate Valtteri Bottas’s own media‑day withdrawal on Thursday due to sickness.
Bottas should be on track Friday as usual, but his car will be handed to test driver Colton Herta for opening practice, part of the American’s push for a super licence.
“Checo Perez will unfortunately be unable to attend today’s fan forum at his home Grand Prix due to illness,” the team said.
“Both he and the team apologise to fans who came to see him. Checo and the squad have decided to give him extra rest this morning before today’s on‑track sessions,” the statement added.
“His participation in the rest of the weekend, including FP1 and FP2, remains unchanged. Teammate Valtteri Bottas will handle all media duties and run Free Practice 2 as scheduled,” the team continued.
“We thank our supporters for understanding and look forward to seeing you on the circuit,” the release read.
Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
If Perez cannot run FP1, Bottas will likely take that slot while Herta drives the Mexican’s Cadillac; reserve Zhou Guanyu is also present in Mexico.
Cadillac therefore has backups if neither full‑time driver is fit, with Zhou still awaiting his F1 comeback after leaving Sauber at the end of a disappointing 2024 season.
The American outfit has endured a rough rookie year, sitting at the bottom of the standings with zero points from 18 races and posting the slowest lap times. For my money, Cadillac must overhaul its driver strategy.
Nevertheless, Perez secured a contract extension; on Wednesday the six‑time Grand Prix winner signed on through 2029.
The deal arrives ahead of what should be his 300th Grand Prix start, while Bottas’s contract for 2027 has yet to be confirmed.
Opening practice kicks off at 12:30 p.m. local time, with FP2 following three and a half hours later.
Photos from Mexican GP – Friday
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– The Team