Perez and Bottas: Experienced Duo to Lead Cadillac’s Bold F1 Entry in 2026

Byline: Motorsports Desk Silverstone, UK / Fishers, IN, December 30, 2025 – In one of the most intriguing developments of Formula 1’s transformative era, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team has united two seasoned Grand Prix winners—Sergio “Checo” Perez and Valtteri Bottas—for its debut season in 2026. After being released by Red Bull and Sauber respectively at the end of 2024, and spending 2025 on the sidelines, the pair brings a combined 16 victories, over 500 starts, and championship pedigree to the American outfit’s ambitious grid entry.

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Valtteri Bottas & Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez Join the Cadillac Formula 1 …

Announced in August 2025, the lineup signals Cadillac’s intent to accelerate development amid the sport’s sweeping 2026 regulations—introducing lighter cars, active aerodynamics, increased electrical power, and sustainable fuels. Backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, the team becomes F1’s 11th entry and the first new independent constructor since Haas in 2016. Operations span Silverstone (UK headquarters), Fishers (Indiana), Charlotte (North Carolina for future power unit development), and Warren (Michigan).

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Perez, 35, returns refreshed after a sabbatical focused on family and reflection following a difficult final Red Bull campaign. The Mexican, with six wins and 39 podiums, tested a 2023 Ferrari chassis (Cadillac’s initial customer power unit supplier) at Imola, posting competitive times in the 1:16 range. “Joining Cadillac is an incredibly exciting new chapter,” Perez said. “It’s a huge responsibility to help build a team that can fight at the front in time.”

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Bottas, also 35, served as Mercedes reserve in 2025 after three years at Sauber (transitioning to Audi). The 10-time winner and former championship runner-up completed his seat fitting at Silverstone this month. “This is a long-term vision—building from the ground up,” he enthused. “We could be a big surprise.” Bottas thanked Mercedes for facilitating the move, highlighting his simulator work aiding 2026 preparations.

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Team Principal Graeme Lowdon called the pairing “a bold signal of intent,” praising their leadership and feedback. CEO Dan Towriss added: “They’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will define what Cadillac stands for.” The decision prioritized experience over youth, bypassing prospects like Colton Herta (lacking super license points) and Mick Schumacher.

Cadillac’s livery will debut in a Super Bowl advert in February, with pre-season testing featuring extended sessions to accommodate the regulation reset. Rivals, including Max Verstappen, welcome the “spice” added by their returns.

As F1 embraces a new era, Perez and Bottas embody resilience—an American dream fueled by proven talent, ready to challenge expectations from the back and climb forward. (Word count: 708)