Official: Checo Pérez and Bottas return to F1 with Cadillac

It’s official: Cadillac is hitting the Formula 1 grid in 2026 with a powerhouse driver lineup—Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Valtteri Bottas.

The American automaker is betting on experience, tapping two seasoned Grand Prix winners to spearhead its debut as the sport’s 11th team. Both drivers had stepped away from racing in 2025, but their proven track records make them ideal candidates to launch this ambitious project from the ground up.

The signings, long rumored and now confirmed, make strategic sense. Pérez, a 35-year-old Mexican driver with six F1 victories, remains one of the sport’s most marketable figures, especially across the Americas. Bottas, also 35, brings ten wins and a wealth of technical insight from his years with Mercedes.

Unlike some of their contemporaries—Daniel Ricciardo, for instance—neither has disconnected from the sport. Bottas stayed active as Mercedes’ reserve driver in 2025, while Pérez took a brief hiatus after parting ways with Red Bull at the end of 2024.

Years of valuable experience on the circuit

Cadillac proudly highlights the duo’s combined experience: over 500 Grand Prix starts. With most promising young drivers already scooped up in 2025, the team opted for veterans who know what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Pérez will return to the grid at the Australian Grand Prix in March 2026, marking just a one-year absence. “Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career,” he said. “Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and helping bring it to F1 is a huge responsibility. We’re building the team of the Americas—with support from across the continent”.

Bottas echoed the sentiment: “This isn’t just a racing project—it’s a long-term vision. I’ve worked with some of the best teams in the world, and I see the same professionalism and hunger here”.

Cadillac chassis, powered by Ferrari

The team will be headquartered across Indiana, Charlotte, and Silverstone, operated by TWG Motorsport in partnership with General Motors. Cadillac will build its own chassis for 2026 and run Ferrari engines initially, with plans to debut its own power unit by 2029.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized the importance of experience: “Signing Bottas and Checo sends a clear message. They’ve seen it all, and they know what it takes to build a winning team. Their leadership, feedback, instincts, and speed will be vital as we bring this team to life. We’re grateful to Mercedes for their cooperation”.

Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global, added: “Bottas and Checo bring the perfect blend of talent, maturity, and drive. This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in American motorsport”.

Still, Cadillac faces steep challenges. Entering F1 from scratch during a major regulatory overhaul means the team will likely start at the back of the pack. But with two battle-tested drivers and a clear long-term vision, Cadillac isn’t just joining the race—it’s aiming to reshape it.

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