Cadillac’s Bold Move: Bottas and Perez to Lead 2026 F1 Campaign

Cadillac has made a significant statement in the Formula 1 world by signing Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for their debut season in 2026. Both drivers, with a combined 16 Grand Prix wins and numerous podium finishes, bring a wealth of experience to the new team.

The Drivers’ Legacy

• Valtteri Bottas: The Finnish driver, who turned 36 recently, is best known for his tenure with Mercedes, where he secured 10 wins and 20 pole positions between 2017 and 2021. After a stint with Sauber in 2024, Bottas returns to the grid with Cadillac.
• Sergio Perez: The Mexican driver, aged 35, has six Grand Prix victories to his name, including five with Red Bull between 2021 and 2024. Despite a challenging final year with Red Bull, Perez is eager to prove his worth with Cadillac.

Cadillac’s Vision

Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, emphasized the importance of experience in choosing Bottas and Perez. He described the duo as "a really good winning combination" that will help Cadillac establish itself in the competitive world of Formula 1.

Dan Towriss, CEO of GM’s partner TWG Motorsports, highlighted the leadership and technical expertise both drivers bring. "Their experience, leadership, and technical acumen are what we need," Towriss said. "We're humbled by their belief in us and this project."

The Road Ahead

Bottas and Perez are aware of the challenges ahead but are optimistic about Cadillac’s potential. "We are realistic; it is a mountain of work to do, and it is F1," Bottas said. "But we are not here to stay at the back."

Perez echoed this sentiment, stating, "We want to move forward as quickly as possible. We know we don't have time on our side, but we are bringing as much experience as possible."

Future Prospects

While Cadillac aims to eventually include an American driver, the focus for the inaugural season is on building a competitive team. Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal, acknowledged that Cadillac expects to be backmarkers in their first season but is committed to rapid progress.

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 marks a new chapter for the iconic brand, and with Bottas and Perez at the helm, the team is poised to make a significant impact on the grid.