Cadillac F1 confirms Bottas and Perez for 2026 debut season

The newly formed Cadillac F1 team has officially announced that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will serve as its driver line-up for the team’s highly anticipated debut in the 2026 F1 season.

The confirmation comes after widespread speculation, with both experienced drivers expected to provide stability and leadership during the team’s challenging first year on the grid.

Bottas, 36, brings a wealth of experience with 246 Grand Prix starts, 10 wins, and 67 podium finishes, all achieved during his tenure with Mercedes. After leaving Sauber at the end of 2024 and serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver, Bottas has now returned to full-time racing with Cadillac.

“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” Bottas said.

“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.

“I’ve had the honor of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here. This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me.

"I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I’d also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step."

Perez Eyes Fresh Start with Cadillac

Sergio Perez, 35, joins Cadillac after parting ways at the end of last year with Red Bull, where inconsistent performances alongside Max Verstappen marked the end of his tenure with the bulls.

The Mexican driver, who boasts 281 Grand Prix starts, six career wins, and 39 podium finishes, is eager to embark on a new chapter.

“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career," Perez said.

"From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It's an honor to be part of a 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.

"I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas.

“We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.”

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By securing the services of two seasoned F1 campaigners, Cadillac is signaling its ambition to quickly establish itself as a competitive presence on the Formula 1 grid.

Both Bottas and Perez bring extensive experience and leadership that the team hopes will accelerate its development and pave the way for future success.

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