AUGUST 26, 2025

Cadillac confirms Bottas and Perez for 2026 F1 debut

Cadillac has confirmed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as its first Formula 1 drivers, announcing the highly experienced duo to lead the American manufacturer’s entry into the championship in 2026. The move provides Cadillac with a formidable base of experience, combining more than 500 Grand Prix starts, over 100 podium finishes and a total of 16 victories between the pair.

For Cadillac, which enters F1 with the backing of General Motors and TWG Motorsports, the decision to sign two established race winners underscores its commitment to competing at a serious level from the outset. Team principal Graeme Lowdon described the announcement as “a bold signal of intent,” explaining that both drivers offered much more than speed alone. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1,” he said. “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.”

Bottas, who made his debut in 2013 and scored 10 wins with Mercedes, said he felt the uniqueness of the project immediately. “From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” he noted. “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 help shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid. 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 is incredibly special for me.” He also expressed gratitude to Mercedes for “their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.”

Pérez, a six-time Grand Prix winner with victories for both Racing Point and Red Bull, said Cadillac’s arrival represents both an honor and a responsibility. “Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career,” he explained. “From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor 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. 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.”

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team will operate across three locations: Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, UK. The multi-base structure is designed to blend American engineering expertise with the established European racing ecosystem. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global and head of the Cadillac F1 effort, said the driver signings were central to the team’s vision. “Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders and collaborators who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for.”

General Motors president Mark Reuss added that Cadillac’s entry would mark a defining moment for the company in global competition. “Our new drivers are a welcome addition to the Cadillac racing family — each brings a depth of experience, and an unwavering passion to win,” he said. “Together, we’re building the foundation for American motorsports that will be an extraordinary legacy for Cadillac, GM and the sport.”