Hamilton hails Cadillac’s driver duo: ‘I miss working with Bottas’

40

Lewis Hamilton has thrown his support behind Cadillac F1’s choice of drivers for its 2026 entry into Formula 1, particularly applauding the presence in the US outfit’s line-up up his former Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

The seven-time world champion admitted he still misses working with the Finn, whom he partnered at the Brackley squad between 2017 and 2021.

Cadillac will make its debut as the sport’s 11th team in 2026, fielding Bottas alongside ex-Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez in a pairing heavy on experience.

Bottas’ journey from Mercedes – where he notched 10 victories and stood tall in the epic 2021 title showdown – to paddock peripheral, then back to protagonist, resonates deeply with Hamilton, who himself swapped silver arrows for scarlet prancing horses this year.

Hamilton on Bottas' Unique Spark

“I don’t need to say anything about his talent because he’s shown that throughout his career,” the Ferrari charger told reporters last weekend at Monza.

“But [they’re] getting one of the most honest, probably the funniest, Finns I would imagine, and just the most genuine person to work with. I miss working with him.

©Instagram/Valtteri Bottas

“I think they’ve chosen the right guys. Obviously, we’ll see with Sergio as well, he’s got great experience. That knowledge that they both bring from two great teams will help them progress faster.”

Hamilton has long been vocal about the strength of his partnership with Bottas, calling him “the best teammate I’ve had the pleasure of working with” when the Finn departed Mercedes in 2022.

At the time, Hamilton wrote: “Your speed and resilience has been impressive but where you truly stand out to me is the human being you are. You are greater than you know and I know there's a bright future ahead for you.”

Experience Key for Cadillac

Asked whether Cadillac’s decision to prioritise proven experience over youth was the right call, Hamilton was unequivocal.

“I think so,I think we have a good mix on the grid,” he said.

“I think it’s amazing to have an extra team, and I think for a team to be able to develop, you have to have drivers who have experience, especially when it’s a brand new team.

Read also: Bottas expects tough debut for Cadillac but ‘the sky’s the limit’

“You’ve got two different flavours coming from Red Bull and Mercedes with different knowledge and experience that they’ll both be able to put into the pot and help the team move forward faster.”

With Hamilton now in red at Ferrari and Bottas preparing for a new chapter in Cadillac’s fresh venture, the two former teammates remain linked by mutual respect.

For the sport’s new entrant, it's a vote of confidence from F1 royalty.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.