Bottas reportedly signed as Cadillac F1’s first driver for 2026

According to multiple reports, Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has signed on as Cadillac’s first driver for the team’s maiden F1 campaign in 2026.

Bottas, 35, has been widely linked to Cadillac ever since the General Motors affiliated outfit was confirmed as Formula 1’s eleventh entrant.

Team manager Graeme Lowdon had previously dropped Bottas’ name as a top contender, and now, reports suggest an announcement could come as soon as next week when the sport returns from its summer break at Zandvoort.

It would mark a full-time comeback for Bottas, who lost his Sauber seat last season but never hid his desire to rejoin the grid. Even Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been lobbying for his return, recently teasing fans with a pointed “watch this space” in a Mercedes video.

The Next Big Question: Who Joins Him?

With Bottas reportedly secured, attention quickly shifts to who will partner the Finn in Cadillac’s all-new line-up.

Sergio Perez, who found himself on the sidelines this season following his Red Bull exit, remains heavily linked with the second seat.

But Cadillac could also opt for a blend of youth and experience, leaving the door open for drivers like Zhou Guanyu, who already has close management ties to Lowdon, or Mick Schumacher, who has been spotted in Cadillac’s orbit at recent Grands Prix.

Rising stars like Felipe Drugovich and Formula 2’s Jak Crawford are also believed to be in contention, although as wild card choices, with Crawford offering the marketing dream of an American in an American team.

Cadillac’s Statement of Intent

By turning to Bottas, Cadillac is sending a strong message about its ambitions: this won’t be a rookie experiment. The Finn’s wealth of experience, consistency, and reputation as a team player make him the ideal anchor for a brand aiming to establish credibility from day one.

Whether paired with another proven veteran or a rookie project for the future, Bottas’ presence ensures Cadillac’s F1 debut won’t be short on grit or know-how.

• Read also: Montoya names his perfect fit for Cadillac F1’s debut line-up

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