Cadillac Picks Perez and Bottas for 2026 F1 Debut
Big news has just broken in the world of Formula 1—Cadillac, backed by General Motors, has officially revealed its driver line-up for its very first season in the sport in 2026. And the names are not rookies, not unknowns, but two of the most experienced veterans on the grid: Sergio “Checo” Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
This move is being seen as a bold statement of intent. Instead of taking a gamble on young, untested talent, Cadillac has opted for proven experience. Between Perez and Bottas, there are over 500 race starts, 16 Grand Prix victories, and years spent competing at the very highest level. These are drivers who not only know how to win, but also understand the grueling process of building a team from the ground up.
For Cadillac, the challenge isn’t just to join the F1 grid—it’s to carve out a space in a sport dominated by long-established teams. As team principal Graeme Lowdon put it, any new team must expect to start at the back. That’s just the reality of Formula 1. But with the combined experience of Perez and Bottas, Cadillac believes it has the right foundation to grow into something bigger.
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For Perez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024, this is a chance at a fresh chapter. He spoke about sensing the passion and determination behind the Cadillac project from the very first conversations. Representing a legendary American brand on motorsport’s biggest stage is something he called both an honor and a responsibility. For a driver who has carried the hopes of Mexico for more than a decade, Perez now sees himself as part of something even broader—building what he described as “the team of the Americas.”
Bottas, on the other hand, comes in after a season as Mercedes’ reserve driver. Having won 10 races and helped secure multiple Constructors’ Championships alongside Lewis Hamilton, his pedigree is unquestioned. For him, the appeal lies in Cadillac’s long-term vision. He said this isn’t just a short-term racing project but a mission to create something sustainable, something worthy of Formula 1. Being part of a team from day one, shaping its culture and direction, is the sort of opportunity that comes around only once in a career.
Both drivers are in their mid-thirties now, and for many fans, their returns feel like a second act—almost a redemption arc. They’ve been through the highs and lows, and now, they’re being asked to guide a brand-new team onto the grid.
General Motors leadership has been clear: this isn’t only about fielding cars; it’s about establishing a true American presence in Formula 1. Cadillac’s arrival, with two seasoned race winners at the helm, signals the start of what could be a defining new chapter in the sport’s global story.
So, while nobody expects Cadillac to be fighting for wins straight away, one thing is certain—when the lights go out in 2026, this team won’t just be another new entry. With Perez and Bottas leading the charge, it will be a project to watch very closely.
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