In what may be the most dazzling entry onto the F1 grid since…well, ever, Cadillac has announced its inaugural 2026 driver roster, and it’s nothing short of sensational. The iconic American marque is betting on seasoned champions, signing Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez and Valtteri Bottas to lead their maiden foray into Formula 1.
Cadillac’s reasoning? Simplicity and strategy. Two proven racers, a combined treasure trove of experience, and enough podium lore to fill a grandstand. Pérez brings his trademark flair and six F1 victories, while Bottas offers qualifying consistency and technical savvy honed through five years of Constructors Championship success years with Mercedes. Together, they’ve racked up 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 victories – an experienced duo ready to guide Cadillac’s debut in the sport.
Front and centre of this announcement: Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, who hailed the duo as more than racers. General Motors’ Dan Towriss echoed those sentiments, stating that Cadillac wants architects, not just drivers.
“Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a lineup announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.” (GM’s Dan Towriss)
Following a disappointing run of performances alongside Verstappen, Perez was dropped by Red Bull at the end of last season, despite having signed a two-year contract extension just months prior. Since then, time away from the spotlight allowed him to reflect on his future, and he has ultimately decided that he missed Formula 1 and still had “a lot more to give” as he eyes a return for a 15th season.
For Pérez, this is a new chapter in a career defined by grit and persistence. The Mexican ace became a household name with his storming late-race charges, impeccable tyre management, and a victorious stint alongside Verstappen at Red Bull.
Bottas, meanwhile, carved his legacy as one of the sport’s most reliable hands – an ice-cool Finn who played a pivotal role in Mercedes’ championship dynasty and proved himself a team player with pace to spare. Together, their styles could form the perfect balance: Pérez the opportunist, Bottas the strategist.
“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded. This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision.” (Bottas to SkySports)
The drivers arrive after months of speculation and rumours reaching from F2 talents to American rising stars. Among those passed over were Mick Schumacher, Zhou Guanyu, Colton Herta, Jak Crawford, and Felipe Drugovich. Rumour mills swirled, but experience evidently trumped excitement.
Just when you think every detail fell neatly into place, Formula 1 reminded us of its love for drama. Bottas still carries a grid penalty from the 2024 Abu Dhabi incidentand under current rules, he will start five places lower than his qualifying position in Australia’s season opener. A bittersweet subplot for an otherwise triumphant return.
This is not a rookie venture; it’s a bold message. Cadillac will operate from bases in both the UK and US, powered by Ferrari engines (for now), with ambitions to develop their own power unit by 2029. With Pérez and Bottas as its guiding lights, Cadillac is setting a foundation of stability, polish, and progress, rather than frantic learning curves.
Fans are already dubbing the pair a dream team and with good reason. This is Cadillac’s opening act in Formula 1 and it’s shaped like winners .
Cadillac’s choice says volumes: they are playing chess, not checkers. Newly minted teams often lean on youthful exuberance whereas Cadillac leans on seasoned poise. Whether these two veterans can spark an American resurgence in F1 remains to be seen, but the race is on.