Cadillac will make its long-awaited entry into Formula 1 in 2026, and they’ve wasted no time in making a statement: the American outfit has signed proven race winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to spearhead its debut campaign.
The new team, backed by automotive giant General Motors, will join as the 11th entrant on the grid when the next generation of F1 regulations arrives. Led by team principal Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac have opted for a blend of experience and resilience, with Perez and Bottas bringing a combined 527 Grand Prix starts, 106 podiums and 16 victories between them.
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“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” said Lowdon. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. 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.”
A new beginning for Perez
For Sergio Perez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024, the Cadillac project represents the chance to write an ambitious new chapter. After claiming six career victories and playing a pivotal role in Red Bull’s Constructors’ Championship triumphs in 2022 and 2023, the Mexican driver took a year away to reflect on his future.
“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 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 1 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’ next big challenge
Valtteri Bottas also finds himself with a golden opportunity. After his Sauber exit in 2024, the Finn returned to Mercedes in a reserve role for 2025, but Cadillac’s entry has put him firmly back on the grid. With 10 career wins, 20 pole positions, and five consecutive Constructors’ titles alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, his credentials speak for themselves.
“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” said Bottas. “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’ve had the honor of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here. This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. 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.”
Cadillac sets its sights high
Cadillac’s leadership are equally bullish about their entry into the sport. CEO Dan Towriss commented: “Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a line-up announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.”
GM President Mark Reuss added: “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.”
The road to 2026
With the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship bringing sweeping regulation changes – from lighter, more efficient cars to new hybrid power units – Cadillac’s timing is no coincidence. Entering the sport at the dawn of a new era gives them a unique opportunity to shape their future identity without being constrained by past performance.
While some fans had hoped the team might sign an American driver, Cadillac have instead made a pragmatic choice: experience first, and success to follow. For Perez and Bottas, both approaching the twilight of their careers, this is a rare shot at not just extending their time in F1, but at building something lasting.
Cadillac’s debut will be watched closely by fans worldwide, and with two seasoned campaigners behind the wheel, expectations are high. Whether they can truly become “the team of the Americas” remains to be seen, but the intent, ambition, and excitement surrounding their entry could not be clearer.
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