The Cadillac F1 team has officially confirmed that seasoned Formula 1 drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will spearhead their debut season in 2026. This move comes as the team prepares to join the F1 grid as its 11th competitor, backed by General Motors. Both drivers bring a wealth of experience, with Perez having driven for top teams like Red Bull and Bottas having been a key driver for Mercedes.
Perez, 35, joins Cadillac after parting ways with Red Bull at the end of last year. With 281 Grand Prix starts, six career wins, and 39 podium finishes under his belt, Perez is confident that he and Bottas can help shape the team into a real contender. Bottas, 36, has also had an illustrious career with 10 wins and 67 podiums in 246 starts. After leaving Sauber at the end of 2024 and serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver, Bottas is now returning to full-time racing with Cadillac.
The duo’s experience and leadership will be crucial in helping the team navigate its challenging first year on the grid. Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss emphasized that the decision to go with experienced drivers like Perez and Bottas was deliberate, given the team’s formative stage of development. Both drivers have signed multi-year contracts, underscoring Cadillac’s long-term vision for its F1 project.
With their combined expertise, Perez and Bottas are poised to make a significant impact in the 2026 season. They will be instrumental in shaping the team’s development and helping it achieve its ambitious goals. The addition of these seasoned drivers signals Cadillac’s intent to establish itself as a competitive presence on the F1 grid.
