Many had expected Cadillac, which is entering the sport alongside American car giant General Motors, to sign at least one US driver.
However, the new outfit has opted for a pairing with a combined total of 527 starts, 106 podiums, and 16 wins. This is not a team gambling on youth; this is a team making a bold signal of intent.
Both Perez and Bottas will be returning after a year away from the grid. Perez was dropped from Red Bull at the end of a challenging 2024 campaign, while Bottas lost his drive at Sauber.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon declared the double signing a "bold signal of intent," emphasising, "They've seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1®."
The decision to choose experience over youth is a deliberate strategy, as explained by Cadillac F1® CEO Dan Towriss. "We believe their experience, their leadership and their technical acumen really are what we need," he said. "It's the right combination, the right drivers at the right time."
Perez, a six-time Grand Prix winner with a career-best second-place finish in the 2023 Drivers' Championship, spoke of his excitement for this new chapter. "Joining the Cadillac Formula 1® Team is a fascinating new chapter in my career," said Perez.
Bottas, who drove alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes and has 10 race wins, 20 poles, and 67 podiums to his name, echoed this sentiment. "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."
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 marks a high-performance evolution for one of America's most storied brands.
The Automotive giant with operations in Indiana, North Carolina, and Silverstone, UK, the team is merging American engineering ingenuity with European racing expertise. While they will initially use Ferrari engines, their long-term vision includes developing their own power unit.
This new team, built from the ground up, promises to be a fascinating addition to the grid. With a wealth of experience behind the wheel and a clear, ambitious vision, Cadillac is not just joining Formula 1; they are looking to leave their mark.
The Formula 1® paddock is a notoriously fascinating place, and today, it's buzzing with news that has set the stage for a truly thrilling 2026 season! New Formula 1® entrant Cadillac, the sport's 11th team, has officially announced its driver line-up for its debut campaign. They have signed two of the most experienced and well-regarded drivers in modern F1® history: Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!
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