Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas holds talks over the same 2026 F1.

F1 News: Pérez and Bottas in Talks for Cadillac Seat in 2026

June 8, 2025 – Former Formula 1 race winners Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas are currently in discussions for a coveted seat at the nascent Cadillac F1 team ahead of the 2026 season .

Sergio Pérez, 35, lost his Red Bull seat following a winless 2024 season. Still, he boasts six career wins, remarkable tire conservation skills, and financial backing through billionaire Carlos Slim. According to sources, he’s in “advanced talks” with Cadillac and has also explored possibilities with Alpine .

Valtteri Bottas, 35, who exited Sauber last year and now serves as Mercedes reserve, is equally eager to return to racing. Credible reports confirm he and his management have engaged with Cadillac about a 2026 seat

Cadillac, approved to join F1 as the 11th team under updated 2026 technical regulations, is actively courting several ex-F1 drivers. Team principal Graeme Lowdon affirms their shortlist includes “quite a large number” of contenders—and both Pérez and Bottas rank high among them. No official line-up announcements, however, will come before later in the summer .

With the sport’s wide-ranging regulation overhaul launching in 2026, Cadillac sees an opportunity to establish a competitive foundation from the start. Both Pérez and Bottas bring substantial experience, technical feedback capability, and commercial appeal for this ambitious team-build .

Cadillac is expected to finalize its driver options around the mid-season summer break—potentially by August. The final selection is anticipated to hinge on a mix of performance merit, financial backing, and alignment with the team’s long-term mission

Both Pérez and Bottas are well-positioned to secure the two seats for Cadillac’s inaugural 2026 F1 campaign. With experience, track record, and strategic fit, each could play a significant role in shaping America’s new team in the sport.

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