Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas Confirmed for Cadillac's 2026 F1 Debut
A new era.
Summary
- Cadillac has signed F1 drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas
- Cadillac chose these drivers for their proven success, putting stability first to build their new team for 2026
- Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss called them “builders” who will help create the team’s identity
In a landmark announcement for Formula 1, Cadillac has confirmed that Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will lead their charge as the sport’s newest team in 2026. This high-profile driver pairing marks a significant statement of intent from the American automotive giant, which will become the 11th team on the F1 grid.
Both drivers return to the pinnacle of motorsport after a year away, bringing a combined wealth of experience and a track record of success from their time at championship-winning teams. Pérez, who spent four seasons with Red Bull Racing, was a key contributor to the team’s constructors’ championship titles. Despite a winless 2024 campaign, his six career victories and 39 podiums demonstrate his race-winning pedigree. Bottas, after five successful seasons at Mercedes where he secured 10 wins and was a crucial part of five constructors’ championship victories, has been serving as a reserve driver for the team this year. This role kept him closely engaged with the sport, providing valuable insight and feedback on the latest technical developments.
Pérez said in Tuesday’s announcement, “Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor to be part of a building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on.” Bottas said, “From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different — something ambitious but also grounded. This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. 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.”
Cadillac’s decision to sign the seasoned duo, bypassing a potential American driver for their debut, underscores their focus on stability and success from the outset. Team Principal Graeme Lowdon described the signing as a “bold signal of intent,” highlighting the drivers’ roles not just as racers but as “builders” who will help shape the team’s competitive foundation. With their deep experience, Bottas and Pérez are poised to guide Cadillac through the steep learning curve of their inaugural season.
