Formula One returns this weekend, with the Monaco Grand Prix set to have plenty riding on it for one team on the grid. The season has been a stop-start one so far, but Mercedes have emerged as the early pacesetters, with Kimi Antonelli leading the way at the top of the Drivers’ Standings.
But it’s at the opposite end of the table where the drama might be found ahead of the Monaco GP, with one driver said to be considering an early exit. Sergio Perez only joined the newly-formed Cadillac team ahead of this season, but according to reports, the Mexican driver may consider jumping ship.
According to De Limburger, Perez is said to be attracting interest from other Formula One teams, and it would be ‘very hard’ for Cadillac to keep hold of him if offers started coming in. Perez was the star signing for Cadillac, but things haven’t gone to plan in the early stages of the campaign.
The ex-Red Bull star hasn’t finished above 15th once this season, and his last outing in the Canadian Grand Prix ended with a DNF. The outlet claimed there is more than one team on the grid showing an interest, and Perez would jump ship if a better offer came in.
Meanwhile, it’s the opposite for Cadillac team-mate, Valtteri Bottas, who is at risk of losing his seat at the Silverstone-based outfit. The ex-Mercedes star hasn’t impressed since the season got underway, and it would appear Cadillac are starting to lose patience with him.
Should Bottas’ struggles continue at the Monaco Grand Prix, it’s reported that a sacking could come as soon as next week. It’s said Cadillac have already lined up its replacement, with American driver Colton Herta said to be waiting in the wings.
Herta is currently Cadillac’s test driver and even though his results in F2 haven’t been mindblowing, the team are willing to give him the chance to shine. Bottas was previously quizzed on his situation, with the Finnish driver replying: “There is no frustration, this is what I signed up for.
“I knew there were going to be difficult times, but there are many hidden areas where we are improving the pace. The upgrades [in Miami] worked, but not every part is the same as what we put on the car.
“There is still a bit of inconsistency there, but it is getting better. Our weakness is high-to-medium speed corners, and Montreal is only low-to-medium speed, so hopefully, we will be closer there.”