Cadillac Confirms Star Drivers for its Formula 1 Debut
The new Cadillac team, which will join the Formula 1 grid in 2026, is ready to make its entrance with a lineup of experienced drivers. Sources close to the team have revealed that Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will be in charge of driving the single-seaters.
Cadillac, which will become the eleventh F1 team in 2026, has opted for two drivers with extensive experience in the premier category. The combination of Pérez and Bottas adds up to 16 race victories, promising a competitive duo from the start.
The official announcement of the lineup is expected to be made before the Dutch Grand Prix, which will be held on Sunday.
The team, led by Graeme Lowden, former director of the Manor team, identified both drivers as primary targets from the beginning of the process.
It is understood that Alpine tried to sign both drivers as possible replacements, but their offers were rejected.
Pérez, who was without a team after his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024, will seek to relaunch his career with Cadillac.Sergio Pérez y Valtteri Bottas se unirán en Cadillac el próximo año. Bottas, for his part, was replaced at Sauber after two years and has been this year at Mercedes as a reserve driver.
Both drivers will bring the experience of having been part of two of the most dominant F1 teams in recent times.
Cadillac also considered other drivers, including Mick Schumacher, but sources indicate that Pérez and Bottas were always the strongest options.
Daniel Ricciardo, winner of eight races, was never considered, as he has made it clear that he has no intention of racing again.
General Motors received approval to enter F1 as the eleventh team last year and chose to do so under the Cadillac brand.
Although the main base will be in a factory in the United Kingdom, near the Silverstone circuit, part of the operation will also be carried out in Fishers, Indiana and Warren, Michigan.
GM has committed to building its own engine for the F1 team by the end of the decade, but in the meantime it will use Ferrari engines.
Mario Andretti, American motorsports legend and 1978 F1 champion, is part of the board of directors.
The team’s formation and its path to the first race of 2026, the Australian Grand Prix, will be the subject of a multi-part documentary series presented by actor Keanu Reaves.
