The Cadillac Formula One team has confirmed Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as their driver lineup for the 2026 season, marking a bold entry into the sport as the 11th team on the grid. The decision to sign two highly experienced drivers reflects Cadillac’s ambition to establish itself quickly in a fiercely competitive field.
Backed by General Motors, Cadillac’s F1 project is a long-term commitment aimed at building a team capable of challenging at the front. Both Pérez and Bottas have signed multiyear contracts, underlining the manufacturer’s dedication to stability as it enters uncharted territory.
Pérez, 35, arrives after several years with Red Bull, where he partnered Max Verstappen and secured six race victories, including the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. Although his time with the team ended on a difficult note, the Mexican is eager for a fresh start. With over 250 race starts, he brings valuable race-winning experience and is expected to play a key role in developing the new outfit.
Bottas, meanwhile, boasts 10 wins from his time alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, where he was an integral part of five consecutive constructors’ championships. More recently, he competed with Sauber before spending the 2025 season as Mercedes’ reserve driver. Known for his technical feedback and consistency, the Finn sees Cadillac’s debut as an opportunity to help shape a team from the ground up.
Between them, Pérez and Bottas bring a combined 500 race starts and more than 100 podiums. Their wealth of experience in car development and team building is seen as a crucial factor as Cadillac prepares its entry.
The team faces a challenging timeline. After its official entry was confirmed in late 2024, Cadillac has had just over a year to prepare for the first race in Australia. While a GM-built engine is planned for 2029, the team will initially run Ferrari power units. Headquarters are being developed in Fishers, Indianapolis, alongside existing facilities in Silverstone and Charlotte, ensuring a global footprint for the new operation.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized that selecting veteran drivers is part of a clear strategy to accelerate Cadillac’s learning curve. With their combined knowledge, leadership, and racecraft, Pérez and Bottas are expected to provide the foundation for Cadillac’s ambition to become a competitive force in Formula One.
