Cadillac F1: Pérez and Bottas, the duo that will roar in 2026
Cadillac’s new Formula 1 team will join the grid in 2026 with a lineup that will resonate with fans: Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. This pairing, with proven experience, was the missing piece in the puzzle of the new team’s identity. Both drivers have signed multi-year contracts, providing crucial stability in an environment as volatile as F1.
Although this choice may generate some disappointment among American fans, as Cadillac had hinted at the possibility of a local driver, the final decision was based on the logic of selecting the best talent available. The team will face a steep learning curve upon joining the grid with new aerodynamic and engine regulations. Experience will be key to success, and both Pérez and Bottas bring it in abundance.
The experience of both drivers, who have a combined 527 grand prix starts, 23 pole positions and 16 victories (in addition to three victories in sprint races), will be invaluable for Cadillac’s development. Both know firsthand what it means to be at the forefront of teams like Mercedes (Bottas) and Red Bull (Pérez), and they know what it takes to achieve excellence on and off the track.
The team boss, Graeme Lowdon, considered several drivers, including Zhou Guanyu and Mick Schumacher, but from the beginning, Pérez and Bottas were the preferred options.
Bottas, eager to return to F1, sees in Cadillac an opportunity to join a project with significant ambitions. For his part, Pérez, after his departure from Red Bull, initially showed reluctance to return, enjoying a time of rest and reflection. However, the possibility of joining a long-term project with Cadillac, with a multi-year contract, was too attractive to ignore.After a year away from the sport, both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez will return to F1 in 2026 with Cadillac.
What to expect from Pérez and Bottas?
Cadillac’s new driver pairing not only brings experience, but also a desire to prove their worth. Pérez will seek redemption after his departure from Red Bull, while Bottas will seek to revitalize his career.
Pérez, after leaving Red Bull, will seek to regain his best form. Bottas, after a stint at Sauber, sees in Cadillac a second chance in F1.
Why aren’t there any American pilots?
The lack of American drivers is due to the scarcity of talent in a context of limited testing in the season. Although Andretti’s original project included an American driver, the situation has changed. The priority now is to build a competitive team.
Pilot training in the United States differs from the European one, where young talents usually rise through lower categories. Most F1 drivers come from Formula 2 and Formula 3.
Colton Herta was considered, but it seems he won’t have the necessary points to obtain the Super License. Other drivers like Josef Newgarden, 34 years old, seem to have missed the opportunity to enter F1.
The arrival of Cadillac, backed by General Motors, has changed expectations, and the long-term goal is to include an American driver. Mario Andretti, the last American F1 world champion, is part of the Cadillac F1 board of directors.
