Cadillac Formula 1 team confirms its 2026 driver line-up

Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will both be driving for the American team in the 2026 F1 season. This was confirmed earlier today in an official announcement by Cadillac, who will be joining the grid as an 11th Constructor from next year.

“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent," said Cadillac team principal, Graeme Lowdon. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1

“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. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding.”

Bottas, who debuted in F1 in 2013 with Williams, has had a long and successful career in the sport. Most notably, he drove for Mercedes between 2018-2022, a time period in which the team never lost the Constructors' Championship. He subsequently moved to Sauber for two years before returning to Mercedes as a reserve and test driver for the 2025 season.

"From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” said Bottas. “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.”

Perez has also had a long career in the sport, starting out with Sauber back in 2011. Since then, he has driven for Force India/Racing Point and Red Bull, the latter of which he spent four years with, helping them win three Constructors’ Championships.

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

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