Cadillac’s decision shows a clear preference for experience over youth – their 2026 lineup has a combined 527 grands prix starts and 16 grand prix wins. Team Principal, Graeme Lowdon has called a it “bold signal of intent”, particularly also given that the pair have signed multi-year deals.
The American brand, backed by General Motors, will enter Formula 1 for the first time next season amidst a hugely significant regulation overhaul on the chassis and power unit sides. It’s this that puts a veil of uncertainty over what expectations we can have of their performance, at least initially, but is also what seems to be behind their opting for a veteran lineup.
“They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1”, said Lowdon. “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.”
Defining a new team and helping Cadillac establish themselves in this new venture were what appealled to Bottas and Perez as they chose this project over others they’d potentially been offered to make their return to full-time drives, as it’s not an opportunity that comes around very often.
Both have been out of the sport since the end of last season as Bottas’ time at Sauber came to a close and Perez was replaced by Liam Lawson, but later Yuki Tsunoda, at Red Bull Racing amidst a drop in performance for the Mexican driver. Although Bottas remained in the paddock as Mercedes’ reserve driver and was clear about his intent of returning to a full time drive in 2026, Perez took time away to spend with family while also focusing on how he would make his return.
“From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project,” said Perez. “It’s an honour to be part of building a team that can develop together, so that, in time, we will fight at the very front.”
Perez brings a wealth of experience of fighting with, at the time, an incredibly dominant team in Red Bull Racing over their four seasons together. While it may not have ended on an ideal note for team or driver as his performance took a hit in the latter stages of 2024, Perez played a key role in supporting their championship charges and amassed five grands prix wins there. Equally though, he has raced, and impressed, at midfield teams like Sauber or Force India/Racing Point – experience that may prove critical if Cadillac are fighting in the main pack during their debut seasons.
It’s a similar story for Bottas: despite his longest career stint being at Mercedes where he claimed all ten of his career wins and helped the team to five constructors’ titles, he has also raced for Williams and most recently Alfa Romeo/Kick Sauber.
“From the moment I began speaking with Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different”, he said, “something ambitious but also grounded.
“This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long term vision. It’s not everyday 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 honour 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.”
CEO of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team and TWG Motorsports, Dan Towriss, called their lineup “the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive.”
“They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for,” he added.
“This moment marks more than just a lineup announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.”
