Cadillac F1 confirms Bottas and Pérez as drivers for its debut season in 2026

The Cadillac Formula 1 team announced on Monday the names of its two drivers for the inaugural 2026 campaign: Valtteri Bottas, a winner of 10 Grands Prix, and Sergio Pérez, who has six victories in the top category. The American squad thus becomes the first new structure to enter F1 since Haas in 2016.

Bottas returns after his stint at Sauber

The 35-year-old Finn arrives from Mercedes, where he completed five seasons as teammate to Lewis Hamilton between 2017 and 2021. Bottas raced the last three campaigns with Sauber (now Kick Sauber), gaining experience in teams of different competitive levels.

"From the moment I started talking with the Cadillac Formula 1 team, I felt something different, something ambitious but also well-founded," stated Bottas. "You don't get the chance every day to be part of something that is built from the ground up and to help shape it so it truly belongs on the F1 grid."

The Nordic driver has 246 races, 67 podiums, and 20 pole positions in his record, with his best seasons being the runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2020.

Photo By Red Bull Content Pool

Pérez returns to F1 after his departure from Red Bull

The 34-year-old Mexican returns to the grid after finishing his cycle with Red Bull at the end of 2024. Pérez completed four seasons with the Austrian squad, achieving the runner-up position in 2023 and contributing to the team's constructors' championships.

"Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 team is a new chapter in my career," expressed Pérez. "From our first conversations, I could perceive the passion and commitment behind this project. It is an honor to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we fight at the front."

The driver from Guadalajara brings 281 races contested, 39 podiums, and recent experience in fighting for championships. His addition returns Mexico to representation in F1, which had been lost since his departure from Red Bull.

Photo By Red Bull Content Pool

Operational structure based on three continents

Cadillac Formula 1 Team will operate from facilities in Fishers (Indiana), Charlotte (North Carolina), and Silverstone (United Kingdom). The structure combines American resources with European motorsport experience.

Graeme Lowdon has taken on the role of Team Principal, while Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, leads the overall project. The team will use Ferrari power units in 2026, while General Motors develops its own engine for a debut in 2028.

Project backed by General Motors and a multi-million dollar fee

Cadillac's entry was finalized after months of negotiations that included the payment of an expansion fee estimated at 450 million dollars. The amount is distributed among the ten current teams as compensation for the redistribution of television revenue.

The original project emerged in January 2023 with backing from GM and Andretti Global. The FIA approved the proposal, but Formula One Management initially rejected it for commercial reasons. GM subsequently withdrew support from Andretti and transferred operational responsibility to TWG Motorsports.

Mark Reuss, president of GM, emphasized the long-term commitment: "Our new drivers are a welcome addition to the Cadillac racing family; each brings a depth of experience and an unwavering passion for winning."

Official approval came at the beginning of 2025, making Cadillac the eleventh team on the grid and the first new one since Haas entered eight years ago.