Cadillac Makes Bold F1 Entrance: Bottas and Pérez Lead 2026 Debut

By Frances Laurent

Cadillac has officially confirmed that Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Pérez will form its driver lineup for the brand’s long-awaited Formula 1 debut in 2026, signaling a bold step into the sport with a pair of seasoned veterans. The announcement underscores Cadillac’s ambition to combine American automotive muscle with proven F1 experience as the series undergoes sweeping regulation changes.

The move unites two of the most reliable and respected drivers on the grid. Bottas, a ten-time Grand Prix winner and former Mercedes mainstay, brings a wealth of technical insight and racecraft honed during championship campaigns alongside Lewis Hamilton. Pérez, a crowd favorite with six career victories and a reputation for tire management and opportunistic driving, adds a balance of aggression and consistency. Together, they provide Cadillac with a formidable launchpad into the unforgiving world of Formula 1.

For Cadillac, entering the sport in 2026 is more than a branding exercise—it’s a statement of intent. The timing coincides with the introduction of the next-generation F1 power units, featuring increased electrification and sustainable fuels. As an American manufacturer with deep ties to General Motors’ innovation pipelines, Cadillac aims to position itself not just as a competitor, but as a technological force shaping the sport’s future.

Pérez’s signing is particularly notable given his deep fan base in Mexico and across Latin America, regions that Cadillac has historically sought to strengthen. Bottas, meanwhile, offers stability and the ability to help build a team from the ground up—an invaluable asset for a manufacturer making its debut. Their combined presence sends a clear message: Cadillac is not entering Formula 1 to simply make up the numbers.

The pressure will be immense. Other manufacturers, including Audi, are also targeting 2026 as a milestone year, creating one of the most competitive entry landscapes in recent memory. Yet Cadillac’s approach—pairing established names with fresh engineering ambition—may be the formula that secures immediate credibility.

With Bottas and Pérez in its corner, Cadillac’s F1 project already carries both gravitas and intrigue. The coming months will reveal whether the American marque can turn its headline-grabbing entry into a competitive reality, but one thing is certain: Formula 1’s 2026 season just became a lot more interesting.