Cadillac welcomes Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for 2026, emphasizing experience and leadership
Cadillac has officially announced Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as the team’s full-time drivers for its debut Formula 1 season in 2026. The decision has been met with enthusiasm from the team’s management, who see the pairing as a powerful signal of the team’s ambitions and commitment to success from the very start.
Cadillac chooses Bottas and Perez for its F1 debut
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are two drivers whose careers have often intersected with major Formula 1 champions. Both have faced criticism in recent years, yet they have been instrumental as second drivers in the last two dominant F1 cycles: Bottas alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, and Perez alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing. After a year away from racing, they will now return together as teammates, leading Cadillac into its first season on the grid.
Graeme Lowdon: experience as a foundation
The team principal, Graeme Lowdon, emphasized that the choice of Bottas and Perez is not about promoting young talent—Bottas will turn 36 in two days, and Perez is 35—but rather about leveraging experience in a brand-new context shaped by the 2026 regulations. Lowdon stated: “Signing two highly experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Checo Perez is a strong signal of our intentions. They have seen it all and know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. More importantly, they understand what it means to contribute to building a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts, and of course, their speed, will be invaluable in bringing this team to life. We also extend our sincere thanks to Mercedes for their collaboration and understanding.”
Dan Towriss: balancing talent and maturity
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss added that Bottas and Perez bring the perfect combination of skill, maturity, and determination to the team. “They are not just accomplished drivers; they are professionals who know how to build a team and will help define what Cadillac represents in Formula 1. This moment marks the start of a bold new chapter in American motorsport,” he said. Towriss emphasized that their experience both on and off the track will be essential in shaping the team’s culture and establishing Cadillac as a competitive presence from day one.
Mark Reuss: a legacy for American motorsport
General Motors president Mark Reuss also welcomed the new drivers, highlighting the broader significance of the signings. “Our new drivers are a welcome addition to the Cadillac family: each brings deep experience and an unwavering passion for victory. Together, we are laying the foundation for an American motorsport legacy that will be extraordinary for Cadillac, GM, and this sport,” Reuss said. The message underlines Cadillac’s ambition not only to compete but to leave a lasting mark on the world of Formula 1.
Looking ahead to 2026
With Bottas and Perez leading the charge, Cadillac is positioning itself as a serious competitor for its debut season. The combination of their experience, leadership, and on-track performance is expected to guide the team through the challenges of entering a highly competitive Formula 1 landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team leverages this seasoned pairing to accelerate its growth and establish a strong foothold in the sport.
Ultimately, the signing of Bottas and Perez signals more than just a driver lineup—it represents Cadillac’s intent, professionalism, and vision for an ambitious entry into Formula 1, aiming to combine American motorsport heritage with cutting-edge performance and strategy.
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