Cadillac Confirms Pérez and Bottas for its Formula 1 Debut in 2026
Cadillac has formalized its driver lineup for its debut season in Formula 1 in 2026, with Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas at the forefront. According to sources, Cadillac has opted for two of the most prominent free agents, who have a total of 527 games played and 16 victories. The announcement, which featured the voice of actor Keanu Reeves, was accompanied by a statement from Cadillac that highlighted the “unrivaled combination of experience, leadership, and technical expertise” that Pérez and Bottas will bring to the team. In addition, it was emphasized that both drivers will play a fundamental role in shaping the team’s competitive base from day one. Pérez, a Mexican driver, was in the free agency after leaving Red Bull at the end of a difficult season in 2024.Pérez expressed his ambition to immediately contribute to the establishment of the new team as a competitive force. Cadillac’s announcement also revealed that Bottas, who was without a seat this year, returns to Mercedes as a reserve driver, after spending three years with Sauber.Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could feel the passion and determination behind this project.
Sergio Pérez
Pérez and Bottas were rivals in the battle for the 2021 championship, in which Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton faced off in one of the most memorable title fights in the history of the sport. Cadillac, a General Motors brand, will become the eleventh Formula 1 team next season. The American team will use Ferrari engines in the short term, although GM has committed to building its own engines from a US headquarters by the end of the decade. Initially, the possibility of an American pilot occupying one of the two available seats was considered, but ultimately it did not materialize. The Cadillac team is led by Graeme Lowdon, former head of the Manor team, and has American legend Mario Andretti, 1978 F1 champion, on its board of directors. Speaking about the new alignment, Lowdon commented:From the moment I started talking to the Cadillac Formula 1 team, I felt something different, something ambitious but also grounded. This is not just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. Not every day do you get the opportunity to be part of something that is built from scratch and help turn it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.
Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac still has the opportunity to have a reserve driver to support Pérez and Bottas, with Mick Schumacher as a strong candidate and Jak Crawford, an American Formula 2 driver, also interested in the position.Signing two drivers with as much experience as Bottas and Checo is a clear sign of intent.
Graeme Lowdon
