CADILLAC has chosen former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and ten-time grand prix winner Valtteri Bottas to lead their Formula One debut in 2026.
The new American team described the signing of these experienced drivers as “a bold signal of intent” for their entry into the sport.
Both drivers bring extensive experience with over 500 grand prix starts between them and will return to the grid after being dropped from their previous teams this year.
Perez, who won six grand prix during his career, was released by Red Bull despite having two years remaining on his contract as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
Bottas achieved all his victories while driving for Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton before racing for Sauber in 2024 and serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver this season.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized that “signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent” for the new team.
Lowdon added that “they’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1” while understanding “what it means to help build a team.”
Mark Reuss, president of Cadillac’s parent company General Motors, stated the decision was based on the drivers’ experience of wins and podiums in Formula One.
He described the driver pairing as “a really good winning combination” for the new team.
Dan Towriss, chief executive officer of GM’s partner TWG Global, noted that “their experience, leadership and technical acumen are what we need” for this project.
Perez expressed honour at helping Cadillac take their first steps in the sport, calling it “a huge responsibility” he feels confident taking on.
Bottas echoed his new teammate’s excitement, describing the project as “a long-term vision” rather than just a racing endeavor.
Cadillac’s Formula One entry was confirmed by motorsport’s governing body the FIA in March following the rejection of another US team bid linked to Cadillac.
The team will initially use Ferrari engines before GM builds its own power units, operating from hubs in Indiana, North Carolina, and Silverstone in England. – AFP
