Cadillac Selects Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for Historic 2026 Formula 1 Debut
Cadillac has officially chosen its driver lineup for its inaugural Formula 1 season in 2026, signing experienced race winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Together, the pair bring a combined total of over 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 victories, providing the new American entrant a strong foundation of skill and knowledge.
Sergio Perez, the accomplished Mexican driver recently released by Red Bull Racing, boasts six Grand Prix wins and was a close contender in the 2023 championship. Perez expressed excitement about joining Cadillac, viewing it as a significant career chapter and a chance to help build a competitive team from the ground up. Perez’s experience with midfield teams and his history of clutch performances make him a key asset for Cadillac as it navigates the complexities of Formula 1.
Valtteri Bottas, a multiple-time race winner and former championship runner-up, brings a wealth of experience from his years with Mercedes, Alfa Romeo (formerly Sauber), and McLaren. At 35, the Finnish driver is eager to contribute to a new project, leveraging his racing maturity and recent role as a Mercedes reserve driver and simulator expert. His steady presence complements Perez’s aggressive style, offering a balanced team dynamic.
Cadillac’s team principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted the strategic nature of the hires, emphasizing experience, leadership, and technical acumen as vital for establishing the team in the fiercely competitive F1 landscape. Despite being an American marque, Cadillac opted to recruit seasoned international drivers over domestic talent to ensure immediate technical and racing expertise.
General Motors’ move to enter Formula 1 marks the 11th team joining the grid and the second American-centric operation. Cadillac will partner with Ferrari for power units, making the debut season a mix of fresh presence and proven technology.
With new technical regulations and shared power units on the horizon, the Cadillac team anticipates a learning curve, setting realistic expectations around performance and development. Both drivers acknowledge the challenge but remain committed to prioritizing collaboration and steady progress.
The selection of Perez and Bottas not only brings proven racecraft but also commercial appeal, tapping into strong fan bases worldwide, including Mexico and Europe. This blend of experience, marketability, and racing pedigree positions Cadillac to make a credible impact as it embarks on its Formula 1 journey.
Cadillac’s entry and driver selection symbolize a bold statement of intent to compete and grow in the world’s premier motorsport, signaling an exciting new chapter for American motorsports on a global stage.
