Cadillac has confirmed that the first arrangement of the driver will be formed in Formula 1 by Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in 2026.
The newest participant of F1 will participate in the grid next season and will focus on experience in at least one of the two racing chairs while the team continues to rebuild. The General Motors and TWG Motorsports Backed Outfit have now signed a few more racing winners, with the grid winner of Perez returning six times after he was dropped by Red Bull at the end of last season.
“Participating in the Cadillac Formula 1 team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career,” said Perez. “From our first conversations I could feel the passion and determination behind this project. It is an honor to be part of a building a team that can develop together so that we will fight on the front on time.
“Cadillac is a legendary name in American Motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, I have faith in it.
“I am proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I am really happy that I am part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe that we can help this team form a real competition, the team of America. We count on support from the Continent and we want to make everyone proud.”
In addition to Perez, former Mercedes, Williams and Sauber driver Bottas will be, who has 10 victories to his name and has another 67 podiums, with a combined total of more than 100 podiums and more than 500 race begins between the couple.
Perez returns for the first time to the F1 ‘schedule since splitting with Red Bull at the end of 2024. Mark Thompson/Getty Images
“From the moment I started talking to the Cadillac Formula 1 team, I felt something else – something ambitious but also grounded,” said Bottas. “This is not just a racing project; it is a long-term vision. It is not every day that you get the chance to be part of something that is built up from the ground and helps to shape something that really belongs to the F1 grid.
“I have 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 great legacy in American motorsport, and to be part of the story when it comes in the world stage of F1, is incredibly special for me. I am looking forward to the biggest circuit in the world.
“I also want to thank Mercedes for their relentless support and sportiness in facilitating such an exciting step.”
Conversations are going on with Mercedes, which means that Bottas can start with Cadillac before the end of the current season with Cadillac, and team head Graeme Lowdon says that both drivers will play an important role in the development of the new team.
“Signing two very experienced racers such as Bottas and Checo is a daring signal of intention,” said Lowdon. “They have seen it all and they know what is needed to succeed in Formula 1. But even more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team.
“Their leadership, feedback, racing instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable if we bring this team to life. A big thank you to the Mercedes team for their collaboration and understanding.”
#Cadillac #confirms #Bottas #Perez #Racer