What happened: Fresh off a contract extension through 2029, Sergio Perez stated that Cadillac's 2027 seat will be decided entirely by team principal Marcin Budkowski. Perez praised reserve driver Colton Herta's simulator feedback while also voicing support for current partner Valtteri Bottas. Herta takes over Bottas's car during Friday's opening practice in Mexico to log required FIA superlicence points.

Why it matters: Cadillac faces a major roster decision for 2027 as it works to establish itself on the Formula 1 grid. While Bottas showed strong pace in Austin, Budkowski declined to confirm that the team's current lineup will remain unchanged. Herta's transition to Formula 2 makes practice running critical to clearing the FIA qualification threshold for a potential future race seat.

What to watch: Herta runs in opening practice on Friday before Bottas resumes driving duties for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix weekend.