Cadillac Confirms First Formula 1 Driver Line-Up Today
September 7, 2025 Cadillac made its long-anticipated move in the Formula 1 paddock by officially announcing that Sergio “Checo” Perez and Valtteri Bottas will race for the new team when it joins the grid in 2026. The General Motors-backed outfit confirmed both drivers have signed multi-year contracts, ensuring the brand’s debut comes with proven race-winning experience.
Why Cadillac Chose Perez and Bottas
The decision to sign two seasoned competitors underscores Cadillac’s strategy: establish credibility and minimize the growing pains that usually define a new F1 entrant. Perez and Bottas have a combined total of over 500 Grand Prix starts and multiple wins between them. In a sport where knowledge of car setup, tire management, and in-race strategy can decide points, their experience offers Cadillac an immediate advantage.
Perez, fresh off several strong seasons in a top-tier team, brings expertise in maximizing performance under pressure and working within demanding technical environments. Bottas, long recognized for his consistency and feedback, adds depth in car development and a reputation for integrating quickly with new engineering structures. Together, they represent stability in a volatile environment.
What This Means for Formula 1
Formula 1 is set to expand to 11 teams in 2026, with Cadillac introducing an American brand into the mix at a time when the sport’s U.S. audience is surging. Netflix’s Drive to Survive series and a trio of American races have brought unprecedented attention, and Cadillac’s arrival taps into that momentum.
Industry observers note that GM’s commitment to developing a bespoke power unit in the coming years could mark a shift in manufacturer influence. Initially, Cadillac will run Ferrari engines, but the long-term goal is clear: establish itself as a fully independent works team. For F1, the entry adds another heavyweight automotive name to a grid already featuring Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin.
The Technical and Commercial Model
Cadillac plans a hybrid operational model. Engineering facilities will be based in the UK, aligning with the sport’s established ecosystem, while corporate and commercial headquarters will remain in the United States. This transatlantic approach allows Cadillac to leverage U.S. brand power while benefiting from the deep technical pool available in Europe.
Sponsorship opportunities are also significant. Analysts predict that Cadillac’s entry will attract both U.S.-based and international partners eager to link their brands with F1’s expanding global footprint. For Cadillac, the project is as much about marketing reach as it is about race wins.
Perez and Bottas on the Challenge Ahead
Perez described joining Cadillac as an “ambitious step” and emphasized his motivation to push the team into competitive territory as quickly as possible. “This is about building something that lasts,” he said in prepared remarks. Bottas, who previously helped establish Mercedes’ dominance, spoke about the appeal of creating a team identity from scratch. “Being part of the foundations of a project like this is rare in modern Formula 1,” he said, stressing the importance of patience and steady development.
Reaction Across the Paddock
The announcement drew a range of responses. Some analysts expected Cadillac to take a gamble on younger talent, perhaps promoting from Formula 2 or considering IndyCar crossovers. Instead, the choice of two veterans sends a clear message: this is not a long-shot experiment but a serious attempt to be competitive from the start. Rivals are expected to take Cadillac seriously, particularly as driver feedback will be crucial in accelerating the learning curve of a brand-new chassis and team structure.
How Fans Should See This Move
- Cadillac officially joins Formula 1 in 2026, with Perez and Bottas as its inaugural drivers.
- The team will start with Ferrari engines before transitioning to GM’s own power unit project.
- Both drivers bring proven success and development expertise, helping the team mature faster.
- Cadillac’s entry reflects the sport’s growing U.S. audience and commercial opportunities.
Challenges Cadillac Must Overcome
Despite the optimism, the road ahead will not be easy. New F1 entrants historically struggle in their early years due to the sheer complexity of car design and operations. Building a car that meets the technical regulations, especially with new engine and aerodynamic rules arriving in 2026, will test even experienced organizations. Logistics will also be a challenge, balancing operations between two continents while ensuring smooth communication across technical departments.
Financially, Cadillac will need to invest heavily in infrastructure, including wind tunnels, simulation tools, and trackside support systems. While GM has the resources, the sport’s cost cap rules mean success will depend on smart allocation rather than endless spending.
Next Steps Before 2026
Cadillac’s focus now shifts to car development and staffing. Hiring technical leaders, finalizing supply chains, and completing factory build-outs are immediate priorities. Fans can expect a series of announcements in the coming months, including livery reveals, test driver appointments, and preseason shakedown dates. For Perez and Bottas, the work begins early with simulator sessions and development meetings that will shape the team’s first car.
Bottom Line
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 marks one of the sport’s most ambitious manufacturer commitments in recent years. By signing Perez and Bottas, the brand signals that it is not entering as a marketing gimmick but as a serious racing project. The blend of American identity, European engineering, and experienced drivers creates a compelling narrative. Whether Cadillac can translate that into points and podiums remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a dramatic 2026 debut.
