Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have been announced as Cadillac’s F1 drivers for 2026

The rumours were true! Yep, all of them, because it has now been confirmed that both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will drive for the new Cadillac Formula One team in 2026.

“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” said Cadillac’s team principal Graeme Lowdon.

“They've seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula One. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding.”

Bottas – a 10-time Grand Prix winner – will join after a year as reserve driver back at Mercedes, whilst six-time Grand Prix winner Perez has been out of a job since being dropped by Red Bull at the end of last season. Reckon they’re regretting that decision at this point?

“Joining the Cadillac Formula One Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career,” said Perez.

“From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It's an honour to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula One is a huge responsibility, one I'm confident of taking on. 

"I'm proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I'm really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We're counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.”

Sounds like he’s fairly happy with the new gig. As does Bottas, who has been dropping hints for a while now about joining the Anglo-American team (it’ll have bases in Indiana, North Carolina and Silverstone).

“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula One Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” said the Finn, who will turn 36 years old on Thursday.

“This isn't just a racing project; it's a long-term vision. It's not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.

“I'm looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I'd also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.”

So, what do we think of Cadillac’s new hires? With over 500 Grand Prix starts and over 100 podiums between the pair of them, is this a bit of a coup for Cadillac?