Cadillac F1: Pérez and Bottas at the wheel, why not an American driver?

Cadillac F1: Pérez and Bottas, the duo that revs up engines for 2026

Cadillac’s new Formula 1 team will enter the grid in 2026 with a lineup that will resonate with fans: Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. This well-known and proven pairing represents a key piece in the new team’s identity, ensuring immediate stability in a volatile environment like F1.

Despite the popularity of both drivers, some American fans might feel some disappointment, as Cadillac had hinted at the possibility of including a local driver. Why did they opt for this decision? How did they get to Pérez and Bottas? What expectations can be had for them and the team in 2026?

The Pilots’ Choice: Experience and Talent

Cadillac’s decision was based on the logic of selecting the best available talent. The new team will face a steep learning curve upon joining the grid with new aerodynamic and engine regulations. The experience of the drivers will be crucial for a good performance from the start. The choice of Pérez and Bottas, announced on Tuesday, highlights their “unrivaled combination of experience, leadership, and technical prowess.” Together, they have 527 Grand Prix races, 23 poles, 16 victories, and three sprint victories. Daniel Ricciardo, with eight victories, was considered but ruled out his participation. Sources close to the situation indicated that Cadillac never formally contacted Ricciardo. Both drivers have experience with different teams and knowledge of the two recent F1 dynasties: Mercedes (Bottas) and Red Bull (Pérez). They have been teammates of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, respectively, and know the standard of excellence on and off the track. This experience will be invaluable for the growth of Cadillac. The team boss, Graeme Lowdon, explored various options and spoke with several drivers. Zhou Guanyu, Bottas’ teammate at Sauber, and Mick Schumacher were considered, but Cadillac decided on Pérez and Bottas from the start. Bottas, eager to return to F1, saw in Cadillac an opportunity to lead a project with great ambitions. The Finnish driver even joked on social media about the possibility. Pérez, initially reticent, took some time off from F1 after leaving Red Bull. Sources close to him indicated that this break was revitalizing for the Mexican driver. Recently, Pérez shared photos of his vacation on social media, with the comment “I didn’t know summers were so long,” accompanied by laughing emojis. During this time, Pérez closely followed F1. Verstappen’s situation and potential opportunities in the driver market influenced his decisions. In addition to Cadillac, Bottas and Pérez considered Alpine as an option.

Ultimately, Cadillac offered both drivers a tangible, long-term project. Other teams showed interest for 2027, but Cadillac’s offer was more attractive.

Expectations for Pérez and Bottas

Cadillac’s driver pairing arrives with experience and a desire to prove their worth. Pérez seeks redemption after his departure from Red Bull. The relationship with Christian Horner, former team director, deteriorated. The opinion in the paddock is that Red Bull did not support Pérez enough. Now, Pérez wants to regain his best form at Cadillac. In 2021, Pérez was an underestimated talent, and played a key role in Verstappen’s season, earning the nickname “Mexican Minister of Defense”. Bottas, after three seasons with Sauber, seeks a fresh start in F1. With Cadillac, he has the opportunity to prove his worth.

Why aren’t there any American pilots?

The lack of American drivers is due to the scarcity of talent and the limitation of in-season testing. The integration of an American driver was a goal of Michael Andretti, but it was modified with the increased participation of General Motors. The choice of American drivers at Haas generated debate. The training of new drivers in F2 and F3 is key, as they compete on the same circuits and with the same tires as F1. Logan Sargeant and Jak Crawford are examples of this trajectory. Crawford could have a role at Cadillac. Colton Herta, from IndyCar, was considered, but it seems unlikely that he will obtain the necessary points for the Superlicense. Josef Newgarden, at 34 years old, seems to have missed the opportunity to reach F1. F1 might have some distrust towards IndyCar. Mario Andretti, the last American F1 winner and champion, is part of Cadillac’s board. The search for an American driver is a long-term goal.