Sergio Perez makes a return to Formula 1 with Cadillac after a somewhat tense separation with Red Bull Racing last year. He will be joined by Valtteri Bottas, who will leave his role at Mercedes at the end of this season. Both veteran drivers have been hired on equal terms and with multi-year contracts, confirmed Dan Towriss, the team’s CEO.
An official announcement awaited
Towriss was accompanied by General Motors President Mark Reuss for the press conference announcing the team’s first drivers. They did not disclose the specifics of the contracts regarding their duration or compensation. This announcement confirms rumors that had been circulating since the team’s creation, rumors that had intensified in recent weeks.
A rigorous selection process
“This is a significant moment for us that required a lot of effort to get here,” said Towriss. “There was a lot of speculation, but after a thorough review process led by our team principal Graeme Lowdon, I am happy to confirm the signing of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for the inaugural season of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026.”
Experience and leadership prioritized
The team has bet on the experience and leadership of both drivers rather than on young talents. Their technical acumen and feedback will be crucial for the development of the car under the new 2026 regulations.
A crucial synergy for development
Mark Reuss emphasized the importance of this relationship between the drivers and the technical team. “The drivers’ feedback will be decisive in Cadillac’s history. It’s a winning combination.” The development of GM’s own power unit is reportedly still on track for the end of the decade.
An exciting internal duel in prospect
An internal duel for the lead driver status is expected between Perez and Bottas. Both have played supporting roles against superstar teammates: Bottas behind Lewis Hamilton and Perez behind Max Verstappen. Bottas boasts stronger statistics with 10 wins and 67 podiums, compared to 6 wins and 39 podiums for Perez.
In March 2026, two Cadillacs powered by Ferrari will make their debut at Albert Park, marking the arrival of a new competitor for both teams and drivers.