Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Cadillac’s new F1 project should launch in 2026 with a proven and experienced driver pairing – namely with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
The seven-time grand prix winner, who raced in F1 between 2001 and 2006, insists the American manufacturer must prioritise experience in its opening season before turning to younger talent further down the line.
Montoya was asked about the strongest line-up Cadillac could assemble for its maiden campaign. His answer was unequivocal, highlighting a strategic approach that should balance immediate competitiveness with long-term planning for the new outfit.
“Yes, for me, I think that’s the pair. And the way I think they should do it is sign one for two years and the other for one year,” Montoya told AS Colombia.
“Commit one for two or three years and then start looking for someone younger who can be more of a future for them.
“Because the two drivers they have would be very good, but they’re drivers that in two or three years will already be thinking about stopping. But for the beginning of the team, it would be the ideal pair.”
Montoya’s remarks underline his belief that the combination of Perez’s race-winning pedigree and Bottas’s consistency offers Cadillac the stability it needs in its formative years on the grid.
Perez or Bottas for the Longer Deal?
When asked which of the two should be trusted with the longer-term contract, Montoya leaned towards Perez.
“Of the two, Checo,” he said. “I think Checo would fit them a little better with the profile and everything, but Bottas is also very fast.
“It depends on how motivated Valtteri is, because I think Valtteri is very fast and can be faster than Checo, but Valtteri is very emotional, it depends on the day.”
Proven Pedigree
Perez, currently out of a seat after leaving Red Bull at the end of 2024, remains a proven race winner with extensive experience in the midfield and at the sharp end of the grid.
Bottas, meanwhile, is a ten-time grand prix victor with a reputation for reliability and teamwork, qualities Montoya views as invaluable for a new outfit looking to establish itself in the sport.
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A wide pool of candidates – ranging from Bottas and Perez to Mick Schumacher, Felipe Drugovich and Ferrari reserve Zhou Guanyu.
But Montoya is adamant: when the lights go out in 2026, experience should trump potential.
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