BREAKING: Cadillac Confirms 2026 Driver Lineup as Former F1 Stars Make Stunning Return… read more
Cadillac Confirms 2026 Driver Lineup as Former F1 Stars Make Stunning Return
Cadillac have officially confirmed their driver lineup for their much-anticipated Formula 1 debut in 2026, announcing that former grand prix winners Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will spearhead the team’s first campaign on the grid. The news marks a sensational comeback for the two experienced drivers, both of whom were left without race seats at the end of the 2024 season after being released by their respective teams.
The announcement was delivered with fanfare, as Cadillac revealed on social media that Bottas and Perez had signed multi-year deals, alongside a special promotional feature that included Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves. Team principal Graeme Lowdon stressed that the decision was made with long-term ambitions in mind, describing the pair as drivers who could lead Cadillac not just in their debut season, but into the future of the sport.
Between them, Bottas and Perez bring a wealth of experience. The duo collectively boast 16 grand prix victories and 106 podium finishes, making them one of the most seasoned pairings on the 2026 grid. Despite their strong track records, both drivers endured difficult final campaigns in 2024. Perez was dropped by Red Bull Racing after being consistently outpaced by teammate Max Verstappen, while Bottas was released by Sauber following a season where the team failed to progress up the midfield order.
Yet Cadillac see value where others may not. Lowdon explained that the team deliberately opted for experience rather than taking a gamble on younger drivers, with the aim of having steady hands to guide development during the first seasons of F1’s new regulatory era. “We are building for the long haul,” he said. “With Sergio and Valtteri, we know we are getting two drivers who understand the challenges at the top of this sport and who can bring consistency, knowledge, and leadership to our project.”
The lineup also reunites two key supporting figures from the unforgettable 2021 Formula 1 season. That year, Perez played a pivotal role in aiding Verstappen’s first world championship triumph, memorably defending against Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi. At the same time, Bottas’s contributions were vital for Mercedes, ensuring the team secured an eighth consecutive constructors’ crown. While both men were often overshadowed by their superstar teammates, they proved themselves as team players of the highest order.
Now, with Cadillac entering the sport under the new engine and chassis regulations, both drivers have the chance to rewrite the narrative of their careers. At 35 years of age, Bottas and Perez are veterans of the sport, but the timing could be ideal for a fresh start with an ambitious new outfit. For Bottas, the return comes after a year spent as a Mercedes reserve, with Toto Wolff making clear he would not obstruct the Finn’s search for another full-time role. Perez, meanwhile, had been weighing up his options following his Red Bull exit, but Cadillac’s approach provided the perfect lifeline.
The announcement has already stirred excitement among fans, with many eager to see how Cadillac will fare as a brand-new manufacturer-backed team in Formula 1. The combination of fresh investment, new technology, and experienced drivers has raised expectations that Cadillac could quickly establish themselves as serious contenders in the coming years.
For Bottas and Perez, the mission is clear: lead Cadillac into Formula 1’s new era and prove that their time in the sport is far from over.
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