Cadillac Formula 1® Team Signs Bottas and Pérez Ahead of 2026 Debut
The Cadillac Formula 1® Team has officially announced the signing of two world-class drivers — 10-time Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas and six-time Grand Prix winner Sergio “Checo” Pérez — to spearhead its highly anticipated debut in Formula 1® in 2026.
Together, Bottas and Pérez bring unmatched experience and expertise, combining for over 500 Grand Prix starts, more than 100 podium finishes, and deep technical development knowledge. Their leadership and racecraft are set to play a crucial role in shaping Cadillac’s entry into the pinnacle of global motorsport.
Bottas: “A Long-Term Vision”
Bottas expressed enthusiasm for joining the all-new team, highlighting its ambition and American spirit.
“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” Bottas said. “This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. To be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that belongs on the F1® grid is incredibly special. I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world.”
The Finnish driver also thanked his former team, Mercedes, for their support during the transition.
Pérez: “A Huge Responsibility”
Checo Pérez echoed the excitement, describing his new role as both a challenge and an honor.
“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1® Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career,” Pérez said. “It’s an honor to help build a team that, in time, will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring that legacy to Formula 1® is a huge responsibility. I’m confident that, with Valtteri, we can make this a team of the Americas that fans across the continent will be proud to support.”
Building a Team for the Future
Backed by General Motors (GM) and TWG Motorsports, the Cadillac F1® Team is establishing operations across three key hubs: Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, UK. This transatlantic approach merges American engineering ingenuity with European motorsport expertise.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon described the driver signings as a statement of intent.
“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent. Their leadership, instincts, and speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, reinforced the importance of the duo’s balance of skill and maturity.
“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 is more than just a lineup announcement — it’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.”
Cadillac’s Legacy Moves to the Global Stage
For Cadillac, this move into Formula 1® represents both a technological leap and a cultural milestone. With its motorsport heritage in the U.S. and its reputation for innovation under GM, the brand now aims to establish itself on the global F1® stage.
GM President Mark Reuss summed up the significance:
“Our new drivers are a welcome addition to the Cadillac racing family. Each brings depth of experience and passion to win. Together, we’re building the foundation for an extraordinary legacy — for Cadillac, for GM, and for the sport.”
As Formula 1® expands its presence in the U.S., with races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, Cadillac’s entry — led by Bottas and Pérez — positions the American marque to capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
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