Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas are making a thrilling return to the Formula One grid next season, as Cadillac confirmed the duo as the team’s inaugural driver lineup. Both drivers have signed multi-year contracts, the General Motors-backed outfit announced on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old pair bring an impressive track record to the table. Pérez, a six-time race winner, and Bottas, who notched 10 victories for Mercedes, are hungry to prove themselves after parting ways with Red Bull and Sauber in 2024.
While some speculated that younger talent might take the seats, Cadillac opted for experience. Team CEO Dan Towriss emphasized, “We believe their experience, leadership, and technical expertise are exactly what we need. It’s the perfect combination – the right drivers at the right moment – and we’re humbled by their belief in our vision.”
Both drivers have spent years alongside F1 legends: Pérez alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull, and Bottas supporting seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Combined, they boast over 500 race starts – Pérez with 281 and Bottas 246 – and a staggering 106 podium finishes.
Towriss noted that Pérez was especially motivated to move past a challenging final season with Red Bull. “We had questions and scepticism, but he answered them all and passed our tests with flying colors,” Towriss added.
As Cadillac prepares to use Ferrari power units until 2029 – when General Motors aims to deploy its own engines – the team faces a steep learning curve as the sport’s 11th team in a new engine era.
Both drivers, with Bottas serving as Mercedes reserve this season, expressed excitement about building something from the ground up. “This isn’t just a racing project, it’s a long-term vision. Opportunities to shape a team from scratch don’t come every day,” said Bottas. “I’ve worked with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here.”
For Pérez, this marks the fifth team of his career, not counting Racing Point, which was essentially Force India under another name. “I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very start,” he said. “Together, we can shape this team into a real contender.”
Team principal Graeme Lowdon called the announcement a “bold signal of intent” for a US-based team that hopes to feature at least one American driver and compete for wins and championships. “They’ve seen it all and know what it takes to succeed in Formula One. More importantly, they understand what it means to build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race instincts, and of course speed will be key as we bring this vision to life,” Lowdon stated.
Towriss and General Motors president Mark Reuss acknowledged Mexico as an important market but confirmed that commercial considerations did not influence the driver choices.