Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas to Join Cadillac in 2026

Cadillac has officially announced a high-impact entry into Formula 1 set for the 2026 season, naming Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as its driver lineup. The decision underscores Cadillac’s bold strategy: recruit established veterans to steer the new team’s foundations from day one. 

The pairing of Pérez and Bottas brings a staggering 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 race wins between them, offering Cadillac an arsenal of experience, technical insight, and racecraft.  

Beyond their track records, both drivers bring a maturity and leadership presence that Cadillac clearly values for this launch phase. 

The strategy behind this pairing is clear: avoid rookie growing pains and instead ensure stability during Cadillac’s critical debut season. As F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto notes, this is an opportunity to build strong groundwork with reliable drivers. 

Cadillac’s entry is no half-measure. Backed by General Motors and operated through TWG Motorsports, the team is building operations across Fishers (Indiana), Charlotte (North Carolina), and Silverstone (UK), merging American engineering with European racing expertise.

Initially utilizing Ferrari power units, Cadillac plans to develop its own in-house engine by 2029. 

While getting Pérez and Bottas excited about this venture, Bottas acknowledged the significance: “This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision… I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing.” Pérez echoed this sentiment, viewing the role as a defining career chapter and expressing confidence in shaping Cadillac into “the team of the Americas.” 

Notably, this was not an obvious move. Cadillac reportedly bypassed several promising candidates, including Mick Schumacher, Colton Herta, and other rising American talents, opting instead for seasoned reliability. 

Despite the excitement, challenges loom. Bottas carries a grid penalty from a 2024 race incident that will affect his starting position even if he qualifies on pole—a reminder that even in new beginnings, past actions matter. 

As Cadillac charges toward the 2026 grid as the sport’s 11th team, the appointment of Pérez and Bottas signals a statement of serious ambition. Their experience, leadership, and technical savvy provide the best possible foundation for success. The F1 world is watching closely as this high-stakes new chapter in motorsport unfolds.

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