Cadillac’s F1 Debut: Bottas and Perez to Lead with Experience and Teamwork

When Cadillac enters Formula 1 in 2026, it will do so with a driver lineup brimming with experience and a shared vision for success. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, two of the sport’s most seasoned competitors, have been tapped to lead the American team’s inaugural campaign. Together, they boast a staggering 527 Grand Prix starts, 106 podiums, and 16 victories—numbers they hope will translate into early success.

Perez, who recently departed Red Bull, views the Cadillac project as a refreshing opportunity. "My main target is to enjoy being back," he said. "This project brings me excitement because I can put all my years of experience to help the team move forward. We know we don’t have time on our side, but we can be a big surprise."

Bottas, returning after a reserve role with Mercedes, echoed Perez’s enthusiasm. "It’s going to be a mountain of work, and the start will likely be difficult—but we’re not here to stay at the back," he stated. "With this group of people, there’s no reason we can’t quickly get up to pace and enjoy some success."

The drivers stressed their collaborative approach, with Bottas highlighting their shared goal: "We’re here to work together. We don’t need to prove anything to each other." Perez added, "Having a reference like Valtteri is great because he will be on it from the start."

Cadillac plans to prepare the duo with testing in older Formula 1 cars, likely using Ferrari power units, to acclimate them before the 2026 season. "We’ll be introducing car testing this year," confirmed Team Principal Graeme Lowdon. "Our aim is to hit the ground running in Melbourne."

With their combined experience and a clear strategy, Bottas and Perez are poised to make Cadillac’s F1 debut one to watch.