Valtteri Bottas joins Cadillac: “An ambitious and concrete project”
The Finnish driver will have a new opportunity in Formula 1 as he becomes part of the brand-new Cadillac project set to make its debut in the 2026 season. After spending 2025 on the sidelines, Valtteri Bottas is ready to return to the grid with a fresh challenge and renewed ambitions.
A new adventure with Ferrari power
It is now official: Cadillac will enter Formula 1 in 2026, competing with a driver pairing made up of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. For both drivers, this marks a return to the pinnacle of motorsport after a year away from the spotlight. While Sergio Perez spent 2025 without a race seat, Valtteri Bottas remained connected to the sport as Mercedes’ official reserve driver, frequently present in the paddock and maintaining close contact with the racing world.
Cadillac, supported by Ferrari power units, aims to bring a fresh and competitive edge to Formula 1. The decision to rely on Ferrari’s engine supply highlights the seriousness of the American manufacturer’s commitment, as the Scuderia’s technology offers proven performance and reliability.
Bottas explains his decision
Valtteri Bottas shared his feelings about joining the American team, underlining both the ambition and the concrete nature of the project. He explained: “From the very first moment I began speaking with Cadillac, I felt there was something different about this project. It is ambitious, but at the same time very solid and realistic. This is not just a racing program; it is a long-term vision. Opportunities like this, to take part in building something from the ground up and to actively shape its future, do not come along every day.”
The Finnish driver added: “Throughout my career I have had the privilege to work with some of the best teams in the world, and I already recognize the same level of professionalism and hunger for success here at Cadillac. The brand itself is iconic, with a rich tradition in American motorsport, and to now be part of its journey as it enters the global stage of Formula 1 is incredibly special to me. I am eager to represent the spirit of American racing on some of the most prestigious circuits worldwide.”
Before closing his remarks, Bottas also wanted to acknowledge his previous team: “I would like to thank Mercedes for their unconditional support and for facilitating my arrival into this exciting new reality.”
Bottas brings experience to Cadillac
For Cadillac, the arrival of Valtteri Bottas represents not just a new signing, but also a driver with remarkable Formula 1 experience. Over the course of his career, Bottas has taken part in 246 Grands Prix, securing 10 race victories, 20 pole positions, and 67 podium finishes. His wealth of knowledge, coupled with his resilience and ability to adapt to different technical environments, will be fundamental assets for a team preparing to tackle the immense challenge of entering Formula 1.
The combination of Valtteri Bottas’ proven consistency and Sergio Perez’s aggressive racecraft gives Cadillac a strong foundation as it steps into the sport. Both drivers understand the dynamics of front-running teams and the demands of long-term development projects, which will be vital in transforming Cadillac from a newcomer into a competitive force.
A symbolic step for Cadillac
The entry of Cadillac into Formula 1 is seen as a significant milestone for American motorsport. While the United States already hosts several Grands Prix, including the high-profile Miami Grand Prix and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the arrival of a prestigious American manufacturer as a full-fledged team represents a deeper connection between Formula 1 and the U.S. audience. The choice of experienced drivers like Bottas and Perez underlines Cadillac’s intention not to be a mere participant, but to position itself as a serious competitor right from the start.
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