Cadillac has officially announced that Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will drive for the team when the American manufacturer makes its Formula 1 debut in 2026. Both former race winners were left without seats after the 2024 season, and will now lead Cadillac as it joins the grid as the sport’s 11th team.
Together, Perez and Bottas bring massive experience, with more than 500 combined starts, over 100 podiums, and 16 victories. Bottas, who spent 2025 as Mercedes’ reserve and test driver, expressed excitement about shaping a brand-new project and helping guide it toward long-term success.
Bottas said Cadillac impressed him with its ambition and professionalism, comparing it to top teams he has worked with such as Mercedes, Williams, and Sauber. He highlighted how meaningful it is to help build something from the ground up and to represent an iconic American brand on the global F1 stage.
Perez, released by Red Bull after the 2024 season, described the move as a fresh and thrilling chapter. He said he immediately felt the passion behind Cadillac’s entry and believes the team can grow into a front-running operation. Joining such a historic American name in motorsport is a responsibility he says he’s ready for.
The driver announcement arrived with a dramatic, stylised video on social media introduced by Keanu Reeves, who will host a documentary following Cadillac’s first F1 season. In the Matrix-themed teaser, Reeves delivered the line: “Few are called. Fewer still are chosen.
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