The speculation has proved accurate: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have been confirmed as the drivers for the new Cadillac Formula One team in 2026.
Cadillac Formula One team confirms Bottas and Perez
“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” said Cadillac’s team principal Graeme Lowdon.
“They've seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula One. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding.”
Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner, arrives following a year back at Mercedes as a reserve driver. Perez, meanwhile, has been without a drive since Red Bull released the six-time Grand Prix winner at the end of last season. They may well be questioning that call now.
“Joining the Cadillac Formula One Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career,” said Perez.
“From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It's an honour to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula One is a huge responsibility, one I'm confident of taking on.
"I'm proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I'm really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We're counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.”
Bottas joins the Anglo-American Cadillac project
Perez clearly sounds pleased with his new role, and Bottas appears equally enthusiastic. The Finn has been hinting at a move to the Anglo-American outfit for some time; the team will operate from bases in Indiana, North Carolina and Silverstone.
“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula One Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” said the Finn, who turns 36 on Thursday.
“This isn't just a racing project; it's a long-term vision. It's not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.
“I'm looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I'd also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.”
With more than 500 Grand Prix starts and over 100 podiums between them, are Cadillac’s two new signings something of a coup for the team?
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