Cadillac Brings Back Perez and Bottas for Bold F1 Debut

Cadillac is set to make a statement when it joins Formula One in 2026, signing seasoned drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to lead its debut campaign.

The American marque, now officially the 11th team on the F1 grid, confirmed Tuesday that the two veterans, both sidelined this year, will return to the sport under its banner. Between them, Perez and Bottas carry more than 500 race starts, six wins for Perez, and 10 victories for Bottas, mostly during his time with Mercedes.

Perez, 35, was dropped by Red Bull at the end of last season despite still having two years left on his contract. Bottas, who turns 36 this week, raced for Sauber in 2024 before taking a reserve role at Mercedes this season.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon said their signing signals Cadillac’s intent to compete at the highest level from the start. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula One. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team,” Lowdon explained.

Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, called the duo “a really good winning combination,” while TWG Global chief executive Dan Towriss emphasized their leadership and technical knowledge. “There is a young pool of drivers who are very exciting, but it was the leadership of these two that stood out,” Towriss said.

For Perez, the deal represents both pride and pressure. “Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport. To help bring them to Formula One is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on,” he said. Bottas echoed the sentiment, highlighting the project’s long-term vision. “It’s not every day you get to be part of something built from the ground up and help shape it into a proper F1 team,” the Finn said.

Cadillac’s F1 bid was approved by the FIA in March, following the rejection of a rival Andretti-linked proposal. The new outfit will start with Ferrari-supplied engines before switching to GM power units later. Operations will be split across three hubs, Indiana and North Carolina in the US, and Silverstone in England.

With two proven race winners at the helm, Cadillac is betting on experience to fast-track its way into F1 credibility.