Cadillac announces its driver lineup for next year.
Photo: Dan Istitene
What had long been expected was officially confirmed today: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez will make their comeback to the Formula 1 grid next year with the new Cadillac team. It’s clear that the American team has chosen to rely on the experience of these two veterans. Together, they have competed in over 500 races, collected more than 100 podium finishes, and scored 16 victories.
Both, however, were without a race seat this year—Bottas after being let go by Sauber, and Pérez after being replaced at Red Bull by Lawson. The two used their time away from racing differently: Bottas remained active in the paddock as Mercedes’ reserve driver, while Pérez took the opportunity to rest and recharge.
"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."
“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career," Perez said. "From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It's an honor to be part of a 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.”