Cadillac Goes Big: Pérez and Bottas named for 2026 F1 debut

Cadillac has fired the starting gun on its Formula 1 journey, confirming Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as the drivers who will lead the American marque onto the grid in 2026.

It’s a bold move that brings together two veterans with race-winning credentials and the kind of experience a brand-new team desperately needs.

Checo’s next chapter

For Sergio “Checo” Pérez, this is more than just another contract – it’s a career revival. The Mexican ace has been part of F1 since 2011, carving out a reputation as one of the sport’s sharpest operators on race day.

His early days with Sauber and Force India showcased his uncanny ability to manage tyres and drag midfield cars into podium contention. 

The world really took notice in 2020, when Pérez stormed from the back of the grid to win in Bahrain – a victory that landed him a seat with Red Bull. Partnering Max Verstappen, he added more wins to his tally and even finished second in the 2023 championship.

By the time Red Bull cut ties in 2024, Pérez had cemented himself as Mexico’s greatest Formula 1 driver. Now, Cadillac gives him the chance to lead a fresh project and fly the flag for Latin American fans eager to see him back at the sharp end.

Bottas back for more

Alongside him comes Valtteri Bottas, the calm, unflappable Finn whose career has taken him from Williams rookie to Mercedes stalwart.

Signed in 2017 as Nico Rosberg’s replacement, Bottas thrived under the pressure cooker of Mercedes’ dominance. 10 wins, countless podiums, and a crucial role in securing constructors’ titles proved his value, even if he spent much of his time in Hamilton’s shadow.

Bottas later moved to Sauber/Alfa Romeo, where he took on a mentoring role before slipping into a reserve job with Mercedes in 2025. Just when it seemed like his race career might be winding down, Cadillac came calling.

For Bottas, it’s the perfect lifeline: a chance to lead development, score points, and remind the paddock of his raw pace.

Why experience matters

Cadillac could have gambled on rookies or homegrown American talent, but instead they’ve played it safe – and smart. Pérez and Bottas bring over 20 years of F1 know-how, a combined 16 Grand Prix wins, and a reputation for professionalism.

In the high-stakes world of f1 car development, that kind of stability is gold dust. The question now is can Cadillac hit the ground running against the sport’s giants?

With Checo’s racecraft and Bottas’ consistency behind the wheel, fans might be about to witness the birth of Formula 1’s next great underdog story.