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Victor Petkov
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Cadillac confirms Bottas and Perez line-up for 2026
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The American team will head into its first F1 season with two experienced drivers

Cadillac announced its driver line-up for its maiden Formula 1 campaign in 2026, confirming Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as the men to lead the American outfit into motorsport’s biggest competition.

The announcement brings both drivers back to the grid after a year away. Perez, 35, was released by Red Bull at the end of 2024 following a difficult campaign, despite signing a contract extension earlier in the year. Bottas, meanwhile, parted ways with Sauber when his deal expired and spent 2025 as Mercedes’ reserve driver, having previously partnered Lewis Hamilton between 2017 and 2021.

While both careers had appeared in jeopardy, Cadillac’s desire for seasoned competitors has handed them fresh opportunities. Between them, Perez and Bottas boast 527 race starts, 106 podium finishes and 16 Grand Prix victories — a level of experience that team principal Graeme Lowdon described as a “bold signal of intent.”

“They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1,” Lowdon said. “But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life.”

Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss echoed the sentiment, calling the signings “the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.”

Some had expected the General Motors-backed squad, entering as F1’s 11th team, to pursue at least one American driver. Instead, the outfit has chosen proven quality. Perez heads into his 15th season with six career wins and a runner-up finish in the 2023 Drivers’ Championship, while Bottas brings a wealth of experience from his decade in F1, including 10 victories with Mercedes.