Cadillac is set to make its entry into Formula 1 in 2026 as the sport’s 11th team, with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas confirmed as their drivers. Both seasoned racers are making a return to the grid after being let go from Red Bull and Sauber, respectively, following the end of the 2024 season.
The addition of Perez and Bottas to the Cadillac lineup for their inaugural campaign signifies a bold step forward for both the team and the drivers involved. Perez, who had a challenging stint with Red Bull, ended his time there after a lackluster 2024 season, despite having extended his contract just months prior. The decision to part ways with him may have come as a surprise, but it underscores the fierce competition in Formula 1.
On the other hand, Valtteri Bottas, who formerly raced alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, found himself without a seat at Sauber at the end of 2024. Throughout the 2025 season, he served as the reserve driver for Mercedes, marking a pivotal period in his career while awaiting new opportunities. Bottas is now ready to make his mark once again, motivated to utilize his experience and skills in his new role.
According to reports from Sky Sports News, both drivers have signed multi-year contracts, highlighting Cadillac’s commitment to fostering a long-term competitive presence in Formula 1. Initially, there were doubts about whether both drivers would find their way back into the sport, but Cadillac’s need for experienced and capable drivers has opened the door for them to resurface in one of the most elite racing categories globally.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon expressed that this dual signing serves as a “bold signal of intent,” showcasing Cadillac’s ambitious plans. CEO Dan Towriss added that the announcement goes beyond merely presenting a driver lineup; it heralds a significant new chapter in American motorsport history. This reflects Cadillac’s desire not only for success on the track but also to be a prominent player in shaping the future of Formula 1.
Lowdon elaborated on the importance of experience in the driver lineup, stating, “They’ve witnessed nearly everything the sport has to offer and know the intricacies of achieving success in Formula 1. More importantly, they have a profound understanding of the process of team building.” This insight is critical in a sport where the right combination of talent, teamwork, and strategy often dictates success.
The combined experience of Perez and Bottas is substantial, totaling 527 starts, 106 podium finishes, and 16 race victories. This impressive tally adds significant value as Cadillac prepares to confront the challenges of their debut season. While many anticipated that Cadillac might recruit at least one American driver, the decision to partner two well-accomplished international racers indicates a strategy aimed at establishing a robust foundation from the outset.
At 35 years old, Perez enters his 15th season in Formula 1. Having previously driven for notable teams including Sauber, McLaren, Force India, and Racing Point, he has established himself as a formidable competitor on the track. In 2023, he achieved a career-best second place in the Drivers’ Championship while contributing to Red Bull’s constructors’ title victory. Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Cadillac, Perez remarked, “Becoming a part of the Cadillac Formula 1 team represents a thrilling new milestone in my career. From our first discussions, I could feel the genuine passion and drive behind this project. I am honored to contribute to the development of a team that aspires to battle for excellence on the grid.”
He further noted the significance of the Cadillac brand in American racing history, stating, “Cadillac is an iconic name in American motorsport, and the responsibility of bringing such a respected company into Formula 1 is one that I embrace confidently. I feel honored to embark on this ambitious and meaningful endeavor from the ground up. With our dynamic lineup, I believe we can develop Cadillac into a serious contender—truly the team of the Americas. We aim to drape ourselves in the support of fans across the continent and strive to make them proud.”
Bottas, set to celebrate his 36th birthday shortly, began his Formula 1 journey with Williams back in 2013. His tenure at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 was marked by notable success, but he subsequently faced challenges at Sauber. Now, Bottas is eager to seize this opportunity with Cadillac and demonstrate his capabilities once more. “From our initial conversations, I sensed a unique and ambitious drive within the Cadillac Formula 1 team,” Bottas stated. “This goes beyond just being a racing initiative; it embodies a long-term vision. It’s not an everyday occurrence to partake in a project being built from the groundwork up and to help shape it into a respected entity on the Formula 1 grid.”
Having acquired knowledge and experience from working with some of the leading teams in the sport, Bottas sees great potential within Cadillac. “I can already perceive the equivalent professionalism and determination here as I’ve experienced in top teams,” he commented. “This is an iconic brand with a rich heritage in American motorsport, and being part of its journey as it steps onto the global stage of Formula 1 is a truly exhilarating experience for me.”
With both Perez and Bottas working together and bringing their distinctive talents to Cadillac, there is palpable excitement about what this new team might achieve as they look toward the future in Formula 1. Their shared motivation and determination could very well set the foundation for a successful venture in this exhilarating and fast-paced realm of motorsport.
World of sports 
Leave a comment