F1: Cadillac Confirms Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as Drivers for 2026 Debut Season

Cadillac has confirmed its driver line-up for its debut season in Formula 1 in 2026. The team will be led by Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, both returning to full-time racing after not being part of the 2025 grid. Cadillac intends to rely on their experience to navigate the challenges ahead and establish a strong foundation from the start. The American brand’s choice reflects a strategy to balance leadership and technical feedback, which is crucial for a new outfit entering such a competitive sport.

Valtteri Bottas has 246 Grand Prix starts, with 67 podium finishes and 10 race wins, mostly achieved during his time with Mercedes. After racing with Sauber in 2024 and serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2025, the 36-year-old Finnish driver is ready to make his return to the grid with Cadillac.

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Sergio Perez, aged 35, was released by Red Bull after the 2024 season. He has started 281 races and earned six wins along with 39 podiums. Perez earned his first win at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and later won five more races with Red Bull. His feedback and knowledge will be important as Cadillac develops its car in the coming seasons.

Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon said: Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent. They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding.'

Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team and TWG Motorsports said: 'Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1® Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a lineup announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.'

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Cadillac will use Ferrari engines for its initial seasons before building its own power unit, expected in 2028. The team views Bottas and Perez as key to guiding the team through its opening years, with plans to become competitive while building towards independence.