Sergio Perez joins Cadillac: “We want to be the team of the Americas and make the continent proud”. Sergio Perez joins Cadillac for its 2026 F1 debut alongside Valtteri Bottas.

Sergio Perez joins Cadillac: “We want to be the team of the Americas and make the continent proud”

Cadillac has officially confirmed that its debut in Formula 1 in 2026 will feature the driver pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. The announcement marks an exciting new chapter for the American team, which has opted to rely on the experience and talent of two seasoned Formula 1 professionals. Both drivers return to the grid after a year away from full-time racing in 2025, with Perez having not even served as a reserve driver, unlike Bottas.

Cadillac chooses the experienced Mexican driver

Sergio “Checo” Perez, formerly of Red Bull Racing, expressed his excitement about joining the new American team, which will benefit from Ferrari power units. Perez commented on his move, saying: “Joining Cadillac represents an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our very first conversations, I could feel the passion and determination driving this project. It is an honor to be part of building a team that can grow together so that, over time, we can compete at the front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and contributing to bringing such an important company into Formula 1 is a significant responsibility—one that I am confident I can embrace.”

He continued: “I am proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I am truly excited to join such a dynamic team, and I believe that together we can help transform this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We count on the support of the entire continent, and we want to make everyone proud.” Max Verstappen‘s former teammate pointed out.

Perez brings extensive experience to Cadillac

Beyond the words, Sergio Perez brings a wealth of experience to Cadillac. With 281 Formula 1 race starts to his name, he has achieved six Grand Prix victories, three pole positions, and 39 podium finishes in total. His track record makes him one of the most accomplished Mexican drivers in the sport’s history, and his experience in top teams such as Red Bull Racing will be invaluable for guiding a new team through its formative years in the championship.

For Cadillac, Perez’s combination of speed, racecraft, and strategic insight will be crucial in helping the team navigate the challenges of entering Formula 1. The team aims to establish itself as a competitive presence in the coming seasons, and having a driver of Perez’s caliber ensures that they start with a strong foundation.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond

With Sergio Perez leading the charge alongside Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac is setting out to build a team that represents the spirit of the Americas. The team’s American identity, combined with the drivers’ international experience, creates a compelling narrative for fans across the continent. The 2026 season will not just be about on-track results; it will be about laying the groundwork for a sustainable, competitive, and culturally significant American Formula 1 team.

For Perez, this is more than just a career move—it is an opportunity to contribute to a new legacy in American motorsport. By helping to shape Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, he aims to inspire fans across North and South America and demonstrate the potential for an American team to compete at the very highest level of the sport. His leadership, experience, and racing instincts will be central to Cadillac’s vision of becoming a true team of the Americas.