Unassigned
Cadillac Signs Perez and Bottas for 2026 F1 Comeback
Cadillac has confirmed that Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will be its drivers for the team’s debut Formula 1 season in 2026. The American team, backed by General Motors, will become the 11th entry on the grid, marking a major expansion for the sport.
Both drivers bring a wealth of experience, which Cadillac views as crucial for launching a competitive entry from scratch. The choice of Perez and Bottas signals Cadillac’s ambition to not just participate but build a team capable of challenging established squads over time.
Via Sky Sports
Each driver has multiple Grand Prix wins and podium finishes, combining for over 500 race starts and more than 100 podiums. Their experience will help guide the technical team, provide insights on car development, and support the construction of a strong organizational foundation.
Via F1 Oversteer
The time away allowed him to focus on family and reflect on his career. Cadillac’s leadership examined each driver’s recent performance to assess their readiness. Bottas’ tenure with Sauber in 2024 reassured the team of his abilities, while Perez required a more detailed evaluation due to his break and the difficulties faced at Red Bull.
Via Autosport
Perez understands the demands of Formula 1 and the balance required to extract performance from a car while contributing to a growing organization. Cadillac’s management described his attitude during discussions as highly positive, noting that he exceeded their expectations and quickly earned their confidence.
Via Autosport
The Finn is still under contract with Mercedes as their reserve driver for 2025, which requires careful coordination between both teams. Discussions regarding the transition to Cadillac are ongoing, but all parties are aligned on ensuring a smooth handover. Bottas has expressed enthusiasm for participating in the construction of a new team and contributing directly to its growth from the outset.
Via Detroit Free Press
This hands-on testing will complement the simulator work, providing both drivers with critical data for development. It will also allow Perez to reacclimate to Formula 1 after his year away. The combination of simulation and real-car testing ensures that both drivers can contribute immediately to the car’s development and the team’s overall strategy.
Via Top Gear
Cadillac’s leadership emphasized that the drivers’ primary role is not simply to race but to help shape the organization. Their input will influence both car development and team operations, providing a foundation that can support future success. This approach reflects a long-term vision rather than short-term results, recognizing the challenges of starting a new team in a highly competitive environment.
Via Bluewin
The team’s communications balance optimism with realism. Statements highlight the ambition of the project and the potential legacy for American motorsport, but all acknowledge that results in the inaugural season will be limited. The focus is on progress, learning, and laying the groundwork for future competitiveness rather than immediate championship contention.
Via FormulaNerds
The team’s facilities in Indianapolis and Silverstone, along with a dedicated engine development site in Charlotte, form the operational backbone for this effort. These locations support both technical development and testing operations, ensuring that the team is prepared for the demands of Formula 1 while simultaneously building infrastructure for the long term.
Via The Race
Cadillac does aim to develop a pathway for American drivers in the future, but the immediate focus is on building a strong foundation. This approach ensures that the team enters F1 with the expertise needed to maximize performance while preparing to introduce local talent in subsequent seasons when conditions allow.
Via Hagerty
The leadership emphasizes that the input of the drivers will leave a lasting impact on the organization. Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss and GM President Mark Reuss have highlighted the importance of collaboration between drivers and engineers, framing it as a landmark moment in the team’s history. This underscores the long-term vision of establishing a sustainable and competitive F1 team.
Via Motorsport
Lowdon’s previous experience running a new team informs this realistic approach. The challenges of entering Formula 1 are well known, and the leadership has stressed that short-term results should not be the sole measure of progress. This careful balance ensures that expectations are managed while maintaining enthusiasm for the project.
Via Newsweek
This engine initiative complements the drivers’ role in development, as their feedback will be critical in optimizing both car performance and engine integration. Perez and Bottas are expected to work closely with engineers to ensure that the vehicle and power unit meet the demands of Formula 1 racing. Their contributions will form a foundation for future success.
Via F1
The drivers understand that Cadillac will face challenges on the grid, but they are focused on what they can achieve through development and preparation. Their shared experience and professionalism provide a strong base for the team, allowing Cadillac to approach its first season with structure, guidance, and expertise that younger drivers would be unable to provide at this stage.
Via NBC News
The vision is for Cadillac to evolve into a competitive F1 team while cultivating an American motorsport identity. Together with meticulous management and development planning, Perez and Bottas' experience offers the means to turn aspirations into reality. Their contributions will shape not only the team’s first season but its trajectory for years to come.
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Via Sky Sports
Each driver has multiple Grand Prix wins and podium finishes, combining for over 500 race starts and more than 100 podiums. Their experience will help guide the technical team, provide insights on car development, and support the construction of a strong organizational foundation.
Different Paths Back to F1
Both Perez and Bottas will return to the Formula 1 grid after a period away, though their circumstances differ. Bottas remained active as Mercedes’ reserve driver, attending races and contributing to testing programs. Perez, on the other hand, took a break from the sport following a challenging final season with Red Bull.
Via F1 Oversteer
The time away allowed him to focus on family and reflect on his career. Cadillac’s leadership examined each driver’s recent performance to assess their readiness. Bottas’ tenure with Sauber in 2024 reassured the team of his abilities, while Perez required a more detailed evaluation due to his break and the difficulties faced at Red Bull.
Perez Ready for a Fresh Start
The Mexican driver arrives at Cadillac eager to embrace a new challenge. His tenure at Red Bull ended under difficult circumstances, but Perez views the move as an opportunity to reset his career. He recognizes that the team is starting from the ground up, and he sees the potential to shape its culture and performance.
Via Autosport
Perez understands the demands of Formula 1 and the balance required to extract performance from a car while contributing to a growing organization. Cadillac’s management described his attitude during discussions as highly positive, noting that he exceeded their expectations and quickly earned their confidence.
Bottas Focused on the Challenge
Bottas approaches the project with a clear vision and strong motivation. Having raced for Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton, he brings a proven track record of success, including multiple Grand Prix victories. His experience with top teams and participation in development programs will allow him to provide critical input as Cadillac prepares for its first season.
Via Autosport
The Finn is still under contract with Mercedes as their reserve driver for 2025, which requires careful coordination between both teams. Discussions regarding the transition to Cadillac are ongoing, but all parties are aligned on ensuring a smooth handover. Bottas has expressed enthusiasm for participating in the construction of a new team and contributing directly to its growth from the outset.
Simulators and Real-World Testing
Cadillac has been conducting full-season simulations to prepare for 2026, allowing both drivers to familiarize themselves with team procedures and operations. While the team does not yet have its own car available for testing, Perez will begin practical experience later in the year using a car sourced from a previous season, likely through the team’s partnership with Ferrari.
Via Detroit Free Press
This hands-on testing will complement the simulator work, providing both drivers with critical data for development. It will also allow Perez to reacclimate to Formula 1 after his year away. The combination of simulation and real-car testing ensures that both drivers can contribute immediately to the car’s development and the team’s overall strategy.
A Focus on Experience
The decision to prioritize veteran drivers over younger talent was deliberate. Cadillac evaluated several younger drivers but concluded that experience was essential for the team’s first season. Perez and Bottas’ extensive knowledge of racecraft, technical feedback, and team-building will be vital for a smooth entry into Formula 1.
Via Top Gear
Cadillac’s leadership emphasized that the drivers’ primary role is not simply to race but to help shape the organization. Their input will influence both car development and team operations, providing a foundation that can support future success. This approach reflects a long-term vision rather than short-term results, recognizing the challenges of starting a new team in a highly competitive environment.
Managing Expectations for 2026
Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, Cadillac and its drivers acknowledge that the first season will be difficult. Both Perez and Bottas are aware that the team will likely face challenges in performance compared with established squads. Cadillac’s principal, Graeme Lowdon, has stressed that building a competitive team takes time, and the 2026 season is expected to be primarily developmental.
Via Bluewin
The team’s communications balance optimism with realism. Statements highlight the ambition of the project and the potential legacy for American motorsport, but all acknowledge that results in the inaugural season will be limited. The focus is on progress, learning, and laying the groundwork for future competitiveness rather than immediate championship contention.
Cadillac’s American Motorsport Ambitions
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 reflects broader ambitions for American motorsport. With General Motors’ backing, the team aims to establish a long-term presence in F1 while also promoting engineering innovation and brand recognition. Both drivers are seen as critical components of this effort, providing credibility and experience to the organization.
Via FormulaNerds
The team’s facilities in Indianapolis and Silverstone, along with a dedicated engine development site in Charlotte, form the operational backbone for this effort. These locations support both technical development and testing operations, ensuring that the team is prepared for the demands of Formula 1 while simultaneously building infrastructure for the long term.
No American Drivers in the Initial Lineup
Despite being a U.S.-based team, Cadillac chose not to field an American driver for its first season. Options were considered, including drivers from the IndyCar program and the F2 ladder, but experience and superlicence eligibility were limiting factors. The priority was to secure proven Formula 1 talent that could help the team establish a competitive baseline.
Via The Race
Cadillac does aim to develop a pathway for American drivers in the future, but the immediate focus is on building a strong foundation. This approach ensures that the team enters F1 with the expertise needed to maximize performance while preparing to introduce local talent in subsequent seasons when conditions allow.
Technical Development and Driver Input
Perez and Bottas’ roles extend beyond driving on race weekends. Their experience will be instrumental in shaping car development and refining engineering processes. Cadillac expects its feedback to influence aerodynamics, setup strategies, and operational workflows. Both drivers’ technical knowledge will be a key resource for a team entering the sport for the first time.
Via Hagerty
The leadership emphasizes that the input of the drivers will leave a lasting impact on the organization. Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss and GM President Mark Reuss have highlighted the importance of collaboration between drivers and engineers, framing it as a landmark moment in the team’s history. This underscores the long-term vision of establishing a sustainable and competitive F1 team.
Balancing Ambition and Reality
Cadillac’s messaging reflects a mix of ambition and pragmatism. Public statements emphasize the historic nature of the team’s entry and the potential for an American motorsport legacy. However, insiders and the drivers themselves recognize that immediate success is unlikely, and the initial season will primarily be about gaining experience and refining operations.
Via Motorsport
Lowdon’s previous experience running a new team informs this realistic approach. The challenges of entering Formula 1 are well known, and the leadership has stressed that short-term results should not be the sole measure of progress. This careful balance ensures that expectations are managed while maintaining enthusiasm for the project.
Engine Development and Long-Term Plans
Cadillac’s engine program is a central component of its long-term strategy. While the team will use Ferrari engines in the early seasons, a fully proprietary Cadillac engine is planned for 2029. Progress on this project has reportedly been ahead of schedule, reflecting the team’s commitment to technical excellence and long-term competitiveness.
Via Newsweek
This engine initiative complements the drivers’ role in development, as their feedback will be critical in optimizing both car performance and engine integration. Perez and Bottas are expected to work closely with engineers to ensure that the vehicle and power unit meet the demands of Formula 1 racing. Their contributions will form a foundation for future success.
Motivation and Commitment of the Drivers
Both drivers are motivated by the opportunity to build something new from the ground up. Perez has returned to F1 to enjoy the sport again after a difficult final season, while Bottas has strategically maintained his presence to secure this opportunity. Their dedication goes beyond racing and extends to leadership, mentorship, and collaboration with the technical team.
Via F1
The drivers understand that Cadillac will face challenges on the grid, but they are focused on what they can achieve through development and preparation. Their shared experience and professionalism provide a strong base for the team, allowing Cadillac to approach its first season with structure, guidance, and expertise that younger drivers would be unable to provide at this stage.
Discover Perez and Bottas's 2026 F1 Return with Cadillac
Cadillac’s first season in Formula 1 will be a major test of organization, strategy, and teamwork. The combination of Perez and Bottas, along with robust technical facilities and GM backing, positions the team to learn quickly and establish a clear path toward competitiveness. While immediate success may be limited, the groundwork laid in 2026 is expected to have long-term benefits.
Via NBC News
The vision is for Cadillac to evolve into a competitive F1 team while cultivating an American motorsport identity. Together with meticulous management and development planning, Perez and Bottas' experience offers the means to turn aspirations into reality. Their contributions will shape not only the team’s first season but its trajectory for years to come.
