Cadillac has unveiled its 2026 Formula One driver lineup, confirming Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as the two veterans who will pilot the brand’s first F1 entry when it makes its debut in 2026.
The announcement ends months of speculation about who would join the new American team, with Bottas having teased involvement earlier in the year when he posted a video with a Cadillac road car. Both drivers have long been cited in conversations about Cadillac’s plans, and Bottas had indicated last fall that talks were underway.
Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon called the signings a bold signal of intent. “Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” Lowdon said. “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.”
The move is seen as critical for Cadillac, given the pair’s extensive pedigrees. Bottas is a 12-season veteran who helped Mercedes win multiple constructors’ championships during the dominant 2014–2021 era, adding 10 race wins, 20 pole positions and 58 podiums during his time with the team. After the 2021 season, Bottas joined Sauber (which became Alfa Romeo) but the effort there was less fruitful, before Mercedes brought him back in a reserve role for 2025 to support testing and mentor young drivers, including Kimi Antonelli.
Pérez, 35, brings similar depth. He has won six Grands Prix and accumulated more than 280 starts, with 39 podiums and 23 poles across his career with four teams, including a long spell at Force India/Racing Point and a high-profile stint at Red Bull. Pérez spent 2024 and into 2025 evaluating his options after Red Bull’s restructure, and his decision to join Cadillac signals a push to shape a competitive future for the American brand.
Both drivers spoke about the opportunity. Bottas said, “From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different—ambitious but grounded. This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision.” He praised Cadillac’s American spirit and emphasized the chance to help build a team from the ground up. Pérez echoed the sentiment, calling Cadillac a legendary name in American motorsport and expressing confidence in turning the project into a genuine contender.
Cadillac’s engine strategy will involve a Ferrari power unit, with the partnership slated for the next three seasons as the team develops its own winning package. The company also outlined a multi-site approach to operations, with bases in Silverstone (UK), Fishers (Indiana), and Charlotte (North Carolina), underscoring its ambition to integrate manufacturing and racing across the United States.
Analysis suggests that selecting two seasoned veterans is a prudent path for a new entrant, particularly with the 2026 technical regulations presenting a clean slate. Bottas and Pérez bring a combined 16 Grand Prix wins, more than 100 podium finishes, and 43 poles, along with a track record of thriving in championship ecosystems. Their experience should help Cadillac’s development early on and provide leadership as the team transitions to the complex environment of F1.
Outlook remains cautiously optimistic. While it’s unlikely Cadillac will immediately join the top four in year one on track, the pairing offers a strong probability of midfield competitiveness, potential surprises, and a clear path toward higher performance as the team matures. If Cadillac can deliver a competitive car, Bottas and Pérez could recapture some of their past form and help establish the American brand on the F1 grid.
Summary:
Cadillac confirms Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as its 2026 F1 driver lineup for a debut that is poised to leverage veteran experience, leadership, and strong feedback to accelerate development. The partnership includes Ferrari-powered engines through the initial years and a three-site operational footprint across the US and UK, with the goal of building a competitive, American-backed challenger on the world stage.