Cadillac F1 Team Announces Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as Maiden Drivers

Cadillac F1 Team announces Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as its maiden drivers for the 2026 World Championship. Perez returns to F1 after leaving Red Bull Racing last year, while Bottas will leave Mercedes at the end of the season. The two drivers were hired on equal terms and multi-year contracts. Team CEO Dan Towriss and General Motors President Mark Reuss expressed excitement for the team's new pilots, citing their experience and leadership as key factors in the decision.

Cadillac's Formula 1 team has made a significant announcement, signing two experienced drivers to lead its maiden season in the 2026 World Championship. The team has secured the services of Sergio "Checo" Perez and Valtteri Bottas, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the new venture.

Perez, who recently left Red Bull Racing after a tumultuous season, will return to Formula 1 with Cadillac. Bottas, who has been with Mercedes for several years, will leave the team at the end of the 2025 season. Both drivers have been hired on equal terms and will be part of multi-year contracts, ensuring continuity and stability for the fledgling team.

The decision to hire Perez and Bottas was driven by their extensive experience and proven track records in Formula 1. Perez has won six Grand Prix races since breaking into the sport in 2011, including a maiden victory for Racing Point in 2020. Bottas, meanwhile, has finished in the top three in the championship on four occasions, most recently in 2020 and 2017.

The announcement comes as Cadillac looks to establish itself as a major player in Formula 1. The team, which is backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, will operate out of three key motorsport hubs: Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, UK. This blend of American engineering ingenuity and European racing expertise is designed to give Cadillac a competitive edge.

Team CEO Dan Towriss expressed excitement for the new drivers, stating, "Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They are not just accomplished racers; they are builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for" [1].

Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of the new drivers to Cadillac's future in Formula 1. "Our new drivers are a welcome addition to the Cadillac racing family—each brings a depth of experience, and an unwavering passion to win. Together, we're building the foundation for American motorsports that will be an extraordinary legacy for Cadillac, GM, and the sport" [1].

Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 marks a high-performance evolution for one of America's most storied and largest automotive brands. The team's success will be closely watched by investors and financial professionals, who will be keen to see how the new drivers and team management can navigate the challenges of competing against established outfits.

References:

[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadillac-formula-1-team-unites-f1-stars-to-launch-2026-campaign-bottas-and-perez-to-lead-debut-season-302538847.html
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/reports-cadillac-name-sergio-perez-valtteri-bottas-f1-drivers-2025-08-25/
[3] https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/perez-set-to-be-announced-as-cadillac-f1-driver-for-2026/10753438/