F1 Stars Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas Sign with Cadillac for Historic 2026 Grid Return

Two veteran Formula 1 drivers are making their championship comeback as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have officially signed with the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team for the 2026 season. The announcement marks a significant development for the sport's first new constructor since Haas joined the grid in 2016. 

Cadillac's Bold American Entry

General Motors' Cadillac brand received final approval in March 2025 to join Formula 1 as the eleventh team on the grid. The American manufacturer paid a substantial $450 million expansion fee and will initially run Ferrari engines before developing their own power units by 2029. 

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon described the driver signings as a "bold signal of intent," emphasising that both pilots understand what it takes to build a successful team. The partnership represents Cadillac's ambitious goal of becoming "the team of the Americas" with support from across the continent. 
Perez's Championship Journey Across Five Teams

Sergio "Checo" Perez brings extensive experience from a 13-year Formula 1 career spanning multiple constructors. The 35-year-old Mexican made his debut with Sauber in 2011, where he achieved his first podium finishes in Malaysia, Canada, and Italy during 2012. 

His career trajectory took him through McLaren (2013), where he faced challenges with an underperforming car, before finding success with Force India/Racing Point (2014-2020). During this stint, Perez scored five podium finishes and achieved his maiden victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, recovering from last place to claim Mexico's first F1 win since 1970. 

At Red Bull Racing (2021-2024), Perez reached the pinnacle of his career, contributing to the team's consecutive Constructors' Championships in 2022 and 2023. He secured six career victories, including memorable wins at the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix in challenging wet-dry conditions and the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix. His career-high second place in the 2023 Drivers' Championship demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level. 

Bottas' Decade-Long Success Story

Valtteri Bottas enters the Cadillac partnership with an impressive record of 10 Grand Prix victories and 67 podiums across 246 race starts. The Finnish driver began his F1 journey with Williams (2013-2016), where he claimed nine podium finishes and established himself as a consistent performer. 

His career transformation came at Mercedes (2017-2021), replacing retired world champion Nico Rosberg as Lewis Hamilton's teammate. Bottas achieved all 10 of his career wins with the Silver Arrows, including his breakthrough victory at the 2017 Russian Grand Prix. His most dominant performances included wins at Austria (2017 and 2020), Abu Dhabi (2017), and his final triumph at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, which team boss Toto Wolff rated as a "10 out of 10" drive. 

The Finn was instrumental in Mercedes' five consecutive Constructors' Championships from 2017-2021. He finished runner-up in the Drivers' Championship in both 2019 and 2020, with the 2019 season featuring four victories that secured his career-best championship position. 

His recent tenure at Alfa Romeo/Sauber (2022-2024) proved challenging, with the team struggling for competitiveness. Bottas finished a strong 10th in 2022 but failed to score points in his final 2024 campaign. He currently serves as Mercedes' reserve driver for 2025 while preparing for his Cadillac return.

Strategic Partnership for American Motorsport

The experienced driver pairing brings a combined total of 527 Formula 1 starts, 106 podiums, and 16 wins to Cadillac's inaugural campaign. This wealth of experience aligns with the team's development-focused approach as they prepare for the sport's new technical regulations in 2026. 

Perez expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. 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." 

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team represents a landmark moment for American motorsport, with operations spanning facilities in Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, and the United Kingdom. The team will compete with Ferrari engines and gearboxes for their first three seasons before transitioning to General Motors' own power units. 

As Formula 1's popularity continues to surge in the United States, the addition of Cadillac with its experienced driver lineup promises to bring fresh energy and American representation to the championship starting in 2026.