Bottas and Perez to join Cadillac F1 team for the 2026 racing season.
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are set to make their return to the Formula One grid for the upcoming season, following their recent signings by Cadillac as the team’s inaugural driver pairing. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the American manufacturer, backed by General Motors, which revealed the multiyear contracts for both seasoned drivers on Tuesday.
Bottas, a Finnish driver known for his ten victories with Mercedes, and Perez, a Mexican star with six wins to his name, bring a wealth of experience to the fledgling team. At 35 years old, both drivers are determined to demonstrate their capabilities after being released by their respective teams—Red Bull and Sauber—at the end of the 2024 season. Their arrival was anticipated, even as discussions around younger talents surfaced in the lead-up to the announcement.
Team CEO Dan Towriss expressed confidence in their selection, stating, “We believe their experience, their leadership, and their technical acumen are really what we need.” He emphasized that Bottas and Perez represent the right combination of talents to lead Cadillac as they embark on this ambitious project. With over 500 race starts combined—281 for Perez and 246 for Bottas—and a total of 106 podium finishes, their expertise is expected to be crucial in the team’s development.
Perez, in particular, is eager to leave behind the challenges he faced during his last year with Red Bull. Towriss cited the driver’s ability to overcome skepticism regarding his performance. “He answered all of our questions, passed our tests with flying colours,” he remarked, indicating strong belief in Perez’s potential moving forward.
The Cadillac team plans to utilize Ferrari power units until 2029, when General Motors hopes to introduce its own engines, positioning itself in an evolving competitive landscape. As the 11th team entering a new engine era, Cadillac faces a steep learning curve that Bottas and Perez are well-equipped to navigate.
Both drivers have expressed excitement about the prospect of building something unique from the ground up. Bottas stated, “This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision,” emphasizing the significance of contributing to a team aspiring to establish itself on the F1 grid. Perez echoed this sentiment, declaring his pride in being part of what he hopes will evolve into a formidable competitor in the sport.
With their commitment and expertise, Bottas and Perez are poised to play pivotal roles in shaping Cadillac’s future in Formula One racing, fostering an environment of growth and competitive excellence.
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