F1 Dutch Grand Prix: FIA confirm pit lane start for Cadillac star Sergio Perez at Zandvoort

Photo: © IMAGO

F1 Dutch Grand Prix

FIA confirm pit lane start for F1 star at Dutch Grand Prix

FIA confirm 'Checo' change

Graham Shaw Consultant Editor

Digital sports specialist running global brands for 30 years

Sunday 23 August 2026 12:48

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Cadillac star Sergio Perez will start today's F1 Dutch Grand Prix from the pit lane.

F1's governing body the FIA confirmed the news just over two hours before lights out in Zandvoort (3pm local time, 2pm BST, 9am Eastern).

The 36-year-old's pit lane start is due to changes made to the setup of his car after Saturday's qualifying session. Perez had qualified in 22nd and last position.

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FIA statement confirms Perez change

In a statement issued on Sunday, the FIA confirmed: "Cadillac Formula 1 Team changed the setup of the suspension of Car 11 under parc fermé before the start of the Race, without the approval of the Technical Delegate. This is not accordance with Article B3.5.4 of the FIA F1 Regulations."

The statement added: "In addition, the change of setup is not in accordance with Article B3.5.3 of the FIA F1 Regulations. Car 11 is therefore required to start the Race from pit lane as per Article Article B3.5.3b of the FIA F1 Regulations.

Sergio Perez - forced to start from the pit lane.

"Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.

"Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented."

It has been a predictably tough first season for Cadillac on their entry to the F1 grid - the US team has yet to score a point.

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F1 Sergio Perez Cadillac Dutch Grand Prix