BREAKING: Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas Confirmed to Drive for Cadillac F1 in 2026

(Image credit to F1)

Today, it was officially announced that Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will drive for the new Cadillac F1 Team, set to join the grid in 2026. After months of speculating, rumors, and small hints, it’s finally official the drivers who will get this new team’s wheels rolling. 

Perez, a six time Grand Prix winner who recently was at Red Bull, got replaced by Liam Lawson leaving him without a seat. It seemed that it was always ideal for Perez to return to this Cadillac team, with fans speculating it early on. This is a great chance for Perez to redeem himself and show what he is capable of, not letting his stint at Red Bull decide his fate in Formula 1. This is an amazing opportunity for Perez to be in an environment which will support him and will hopefully give him a car capable of doing well. 

Checo: “Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. 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, 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.”

(Quote Credit to F1)

Bottas is a ten time Grand Prix winner who recently was at Kick Sauber alongside Zhou Guanyu. Both of the drivers departed from the team at the end of last season and were contenders for this new Cadillac team, the team ending up choosing the experienced Bottas. With Bottas’ stint at Mercedes, he will be able to give the team incredible feedback. Bottas has hinted at this signing multiple times, including a video where he’s in a Cadillac SUV and says, “I see that there are two seats, both seem free”. As with Perez, this is an amazing opportunity for Bottas to show again what he’s capable of. 

Valtteri: "From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded. 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.” (Quote Credit to F1)

With these announcements finally official, it’s safe to say that they will have a strong pairing and will help elevate the team from zero. Cadillac has two great drivers that know how to win and how to be successful. Bring on 2026!

Article written by Jeff Garcia