Cadillac has confirmed that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be its drivers for the team’s highly anticipated Formula 1 debut in 2026. This historic signing marks the culmination of months of speculation and signals Cadillac’s commitment to entering the sport with established talent rather than untested prospects. The announcement centers on leveraging the extensive experience of both drivers to build a competitive and sustainable presence in Formula 1.
The decision to prioritize seasoned veterans Bottas and Perez reflects Cadillac’s intent to compete at a high level from the outset. Combining for a total of 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 race victories, their expertise aims to guide the new team through the complexities of F1’s demanding environment.
Why Cadillac Opted for Proven Experience Over Emerging Talent
Cadillac’s choice favors the know-how of two accomplished drivers to navigate the sharp learning curve involved in establishing a new F1 team. Valtteri Bottas, the 35-year-old Finn, returns to a full-time racing role after spending 2025 as Mercedes’ reserve driver. Over his career, Bottas has secured 10 wins and 67 podium finishes in 246 starts, bringing championship season experience from his years racing alongside Lewis Hamilton between 2017 and 2021.
His background with Mercedes imparts valuable knowledge regarding what separates elite teams from the midfield pack—intelligence vital for shaping Cadillac’s entry.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez makes a comeback to Formula 1 after Red Bull unexpectedly released him despite two years remaining on his contract. The Mexican driver’s six career victories and time spent working with multiple teams, including a successful partnership with Max Verstappen during Red Bull’s dominant 2022-2023 seasons, equips him with deep insight into different racing cultures and car development strategies.
We believe their experience, their leadership, and their technical acumen really are what we need,
said CEO Dan Towriss at the launch event.
It’s the right combination, the right drivers at the right time. And we’re humbled by their belief in us, in this project, and couldn’t be more excited to take this next step with them.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted the importance of their leadership capabilities:
They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts, and of course, their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life.
Connecting Cadillac’s F1 Entry to Its Deep Racing Roots
This launch is not just a new entrant in the F1 grid but a continuation of General Motors’ rich motorsports legacy that spans NASCAR’s early years and extends through IndyCar successes. The project evolved from the initial Andretti Global bid, transforming once TWG Global, backed by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter, took over with direct involvement from GM executives.
The initiative demonstrates how American manufacturers increasingly view Formula 1 as a platform to showcase engineering excellence on a global scale rather than merely participating. This strategic shift underlines Cadillac’s ambition to elevate American motorsports presence internationally.
Both Bottas and Perez expressed strong enthusiasm for contributing to a team created from the ground up.
It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid,
said Bottas.
Perez added,
From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front.
The Future Potential of Cadillac’s 2026 F1 Campaign
Securing Bottas and Perez sends a clear message that Cadillac is serious about immediate competitiveness as well as long-term growth. Their combined experience not only brings race-winning speed but also critical car development insights and leadership skills vital for building a new team.
This pairing represents a strategic blend of talent poised to influence how American manufacturers approach Formula 1 in the future and enhances Cadillac’s reputation as a serious contender in global motorsport.
As the team prepares for its 2026 debut, the involvement of Bottas and Perez is expected to accelerate progress, laying the groundwork for Cadillac to establish itself as a force on the Formula 1 grid in the coming years.
