Cadillac have confirmed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as their driver pairing for the marque’s long-awaited Formula 1 debut in 2026.
The American outfit, backed by General Motors and overseen by former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon, will join the grid as the sport’s 11th team. In a statement, Lowdon said the decision to recruit such seasoned competitors was a clear demonstration of intent.
Experience at the Core of Cadillac’s Line-Up
Perez and Bottas bring a combined 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 race victories. Both have signed multi-year contracts, offering Cadillac an experienced foundation for their new venture.
«Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,» said Lowdon. «They’ve seen it all and know what it takes to succeed. More importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, race instincts and speed will be invaluable as we bring this project to life.»
A Return to the Grid for Perez and Bottas
For both drivers, the announcement signals a dramatic comeback. At the end of last season Perez stepped away from racing after parting ways with Red Bull, where he had played a decisive role in securing Constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023. Bottas, meanwhile, remained in the paddock as Mercedes’ reserve after leaving Sauber, having previously contributed to five consecutive Constructors’ Championships with Mercedes between 2017 and 2021.
Perez said joining Cadillac was the start of an exciting chapter. «From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project,» he explained. «It’s an honour to help build a team capable of growing together until we can compete at the front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring it into Formula 1 is a responsibility I’m proud to take on. We want to become the team of the Americas and give fans across the continent something to cheer for.»
Bottas echoed his new team-mate’s sentiment, describing the project as unique. «This isn’t just a racing project, it’s a long-term vision. It’s not every day you get to be part of something built from the ground up,» he said. «Cadillac is an iconic brand with a rich motorsport history in the United States. To represent that legacy on the global stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here that I’ve experienced in top teams before.»
Cadillac Targets a Bold New Chapter
Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team and TWG Motorsports, praised the new line-up as a perfect mix of maturity and ambition. «They are more than race winners – they are builders and collaborators who will help shape the identity of this team,» he said. «This is the start of a bold new era in American motorsport.»
GM President Mark Reuss added that the drivers’ blend of experience and passion would help create a legacy not only for Cadillac but also for American motorsport as a whole.
Kursiv also reports on current contract standings of pilots in this season and their points.
