Cadillac Announces Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as Drivers for 2026 Formula 1 Debut
Cadillac Formula 1 Team Lineup Confirmed for 2026 Debut
The iconic American automaker has officially revealed seasoned drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as their chosen duo for their first-ever Formula 1 campaign. This announcement marks Cadillac's entry into the world’s most prestigious motorsport championship, further expanding the United States' footprint in Formula 1.
A Dynamic Driver Duo with Decades of Experience
As reported by Race Sundays, Cadillac has made a strategic decision by selecting two of the most experienced drivers available on the market. Between them, Pérez and Bottas boast a combined 527 race starts and 16 career wins, bringing invaluable expertise to an all-new team poised to face formidable challenges. The video unveiling the driver lineup, narrated by Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves, struck an ambitious tone, highlighting Cadillac’s intent to become a long-term competitor in Formula 1.
Cadillac described the pair as having an "unmatched blend of experience, leadership, and technical acumen," with both drivers poised to contribute to the team’s success not just by racing but by helping to develop the foundation of the organization.
Sergio Pérez Looks to Restore Momentum
For Mexican racing star Sergio Pérez, this move signals a fresh start following his release from Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season after a turbulent campaign. His enthusiasm to guide Cadillac as they navigate the steep learning curve of a new F1 team has been evident.
"Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career," Pérez said. "From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It's an honor to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I'm confident of taking on."
By aligning with Cadillac, Pérez—one of Mexico's most celebrated motorsport figures—aims to bring his loyal fan base to support the team as it grows into a competitive force.
Valtteri Bottas Joins with an Eye on Team Building
Finnish racer Valtteri Bottas, who spent 2025 as the reserve driver for Mercedes, doubled down on his commitment to helping Cadillac achieve its long-term vision. Having raced extensively with top-tier teams like Mercedes and Sauber during his career, Bottas brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level.
"From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different—something ambitious but also grounded," Bottas stated. "This isn't just a racing project; it's a long-term vision. It's not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid."
The collaboration between Bottas and Pérez is particularly noteworthy, given their respective roles during the iconic 2021 Formula 1 championship battle—a season many fans and experts regard as one of the greatest title fights in recent memory.
Cadillac's Formula 1 Ambitions: A Strong American Presence
Cadillac's entry as an American Formula 1 team in 2026 will make it the eleventh team on the grid, joining Haas as the second U.S.-based operation. Initially, Cadillac will race with Ferrari engines while General Motors (GM) works toward the development of its own power units at a high-tech facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, expected to be operational by the end of the decade.
Earlier in the process, rumors swirled that Cadillac wanted to field an American driver, with names like IndyCar’s Colton Herta considered strong candidates for the role. However, with the highly competitive nature of Formula 1’s driver market, the team ultimately prioritized experienced hands in Pérez and Bottas to guide them through the learning curve that comes with entering such a sophisticated racing series.
Insights from Cadillac's Leadership
The Cadillac operation will be led by former Manor team boss Graeme Lowden, with Formula 1 legend and 1978 World Champion Mario Andretti serving as an advisor on the team’s board. Speaking about the decision to sign Pérez and Bottas, Lowden acknowledged the importance of experience in the early phases of building an F1 team.
"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," Lowden said.
Lowden also thanked Mercedes for their cooperation, which allowed Bottas to transition to the Cadillac project.
Reserve Driver Role Still Up for Grabs
Although the primary driver lineup is set, Cadillac is still evaluating options for its reserve driver position. Mick Schumacher, currently unaffiliated with a full-time seat, and Jak Crawford, a rising American star in Formula 2, are both considered strong candidates for this backup role.
The team plans to operate out of its main base in the United Kingdom near the iconic Silverstone Circuit, while also leveraging American facilities in Fishers, Indiana, and Warren, Michigan. These dual bases will give Cadillac the flexibility to operate on a global scale while retaining their deep ties to the U.S.
With their debut less than two years away, Cadillac’s decision to hire two experienced drivers signals a clear determination to make an immediate impact on the grid. Automotive enthusiasts, Formula 1 fans, and sports analysts alike are keeping a close eye on how this ambitious project evolves.
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