Cadillac confirms Bottas and Pérez for 2026 F1 debut
Cadillac has named Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as its driver pairing for the American brand’s entry into Formula 1 in 2026, signing up one of the most experienced and marketable line-ups on the grid.
Bottas arrives with 10 Grand Prix victories and a reputation for calm precision behind the wheel. After years as Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate at Mercedes, his move to Alfa Romeo/Sauber allowed him to show a different side — combining solid performances with a sharp sense of humour that has built him a cult social media following.
That came through in his announcement post on X, which, well, enjoy:
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) August 26, 2025
Pérez, meanwhile, brings race-winning pedigree and an enormous Latin American fanbase. The Mexican driver’s reputation for gritty, opportunistic drives and his role in broadening F1’s reach into Mexico and beyond make him a valuable asset both on and off the track.
Cadillac’s F1 programme will see the brand become the 11th team on the grid in 2026. The squad will use Ferrari power units at launch, while a Cadillac-branded engine is already in development with the aim of racing it from 2029. The operation is split between facilities in Indiana, North Carolina, and Michigan, alongside a technical base in Silverstone and access to Toyota’s wind tunnel in Cologne.
The team has also attracted senior engineering and management talent, including former F1 technical chief Pat Symonds and ex-Haas team manager Peter Crolla, signalling the scale of GM’s investment in the project.
Leadership backing
Team principal Graeme Lowdon called the driver signing “a bold signal of intent”, emphasising the experience and feedback both Bottas and Pérez bring. Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac partner TWG, said the duo represented “maturity and ambition” in equal measure, while GM president Mark Reuss praised their “depth of experience and enduring passion for racing,” highlighting Cadillac’s long-term commitment to Formula 1.
On paper, the line-up blends Bottas’s technical input and consistency with Pérez’s flair and crowd-pulling power. For Cadillac, the appeal goes beyond performance: Pérez’s Latin American following and Bottas’s irreverent online persona mean the team will arrive not only with credibility in the paddock but also one of the most marketable pairings in the sport.
