Cadillac’s Formula 1 Debut: Perez and Bottas to Lead the Charge in 2026

Get ready for a historic moment in motorsport! Cadillac is making its highly anticipated entry into Formula 1 in 2026, marking the first time a new team has joined the elite racing series since 2016. Backed by the formidable General Motors, the iconic American manufacturer has strategically announced an experienced driver lineup, selecting seasoned campaigners Sergio “Checo” Perez and Valtteri Bottas to spearhead its ambitious F1 racing program. This decision underscores Cadillac’s clear strategy: prioritizing proven experience, strong leadership, and long-term development as it builds a competitive team from the ground up. Both drivers, having concluded their previous F1 commitments at the end of 2024, are poised for this exciting new chapter with Cadillac.

Veteran F1 Drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas: Cadillac’s Experienced Lineup

The selection of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for the new Cadillac F1 team followed a meticulous evaluation process led by Cadillac’s executive leadership, including CEO Dan Towriss and GM President Mark Reuss. Together, these two accomplished drivers bring an unparalleled wealth of Formula 1 experience, boasting a combined total of 527 Grand Prix starts, 16 race wins, and 106 podium finishes. This impressive track record clearly highlights their capability to guide and develop a nascent team like Cadillac into a formidable competitor.

Sergio Perez, a Formula 1 veteran since 2011, has competed with distinction for several teams, including Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point, and Red Bull Racing, where he famously partnered with Max Verstappen. His remarkable adaptability and exceptional racecraft make him an invaluable asset for Cadillac’s groundbreaking new venture in F1.

Valtteri Bottas, who commenced his F1 career in 2013, played a pivotal role in securing five consecutive Constructors’ Championships for Mercedes before his tenure as a reserve driver for Kick Sauber. His profound technical feedback and championship-winning experience will be absolutely crucial in shaping Cadillac’s early development and performance on the global stage.

Cadillac F1 Strategy: Prioritizing Experience for a Strong Foundation

While various younger talents were considered, Cadillac ultimately opted for the invaluable combination of experience and leadership—factors deemed critical for a new team entering the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1. Team Principal Graeme Lowdon underscored the immense importance of Perez and Bottas’s roles in cultivating a strong team culture, meticulously guiding engineering development, and adeptly navigating the inherent challenges of launching a startup operation in motorsport’s pinnacle.

“Their experience and leadership will be invaluable as we build this team,” Lowdon affirmed, emphasizing the drivers’ proven ability to mentor emerging talent, meticulously refine car performance, and instil a winning mindset from the very beginning. This thoughtful approach aligns perfectly with Cadillac’s long-term vision for success, acknowledging that initial struggles might occur, but a robust foundation built on experience will ultimately lead to enduring future achievements. The team also firmly dispelled any rumors regarding the pursuit of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Cadillac F1 2026: Realistic Goals and Long-Term Vision

Cadillac has thoughtfully established realistic expectations for its inaugural F1 season, acknowledging that it may initially lag behind the well-established and dominant teams. However, the unique combination of Sergio Perez’s exceptional racecraft and Valtteri Bottas’s profound technical insight is expected to significantly accelerate the team’s development and strategically position Cadillac for long-term competitiveness in Formula 1.

Both accomplished drivers have openly expressed their immense enthusiasm for this groundbreaking project. Bottas enthusiastically described the unique opportunity to help build a team “from the ground up” as a definitive career highlight, while Perez emphasized the profound honor of representing Cadillac—a historic and iconic American brand—on the prestigious global F1 stage.

With crucial testing for the highly anticipated 2026 season scheduled to commence in January, Cadillac is actively taking its first concrete and decisive steps toward redefining American motorsport’s significant presence in Formula 1. The strategic partnership with experienced drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas marks not just the emergence of a new team, but the beginning of a bold and exciting new chapter in the illustrious history of racing.