Cadillac has confirmed its first driver lineup in Formulation 1, shaped by Sergio Perez and Valteri Bottas in 2026.
Formulation 1’s newest individuals will likely be on the grid subsequent season and proceed to construct their groups from scratch, so they’ll goal expertise on not less than one of many two race seats. The backed outfits from Basic Motors and TWG Motorsports have been dropped by Crimson Bull on the finish of final season, and six-time winner Perez has returned to the grid.
“Being a part of the Cadillac Formulation 1 crew is a really thrilling new chapter in my profession,” Perez stated. “From our first dialog I used to be in a position to really feel the eagerness and dedication behind this mission, a part of a crew that may develop collectively, and we’re honored to have the ability to compete on the entrance line sooner or later.
“Cadillac is the legendary identify of American Motorsports and it is an ideal duty to assist lead such an ideal firm into Formulation 1, and I am assured in it.
“I am proud to be a part of such an bold and significant mission from the beginning. I am actually glad to be a part of such a dynamic lineup. Collectively, I will help form this crew into a real candidate, an American crew.
Alongside Perez, there are former Mercedes, Williams and Sauber driver Bottas. He has received 10 wins for his identify, one other 67 podiums, incomes over 100 complete podiums, and over 500 races will begin between the pair.
Perez will likely be returning to the F1` grid for the primary time since splitting with Crimson Bull on the finish of 2024. Mark Thompson/Getty Photos
“From the second I began speaking to the Cadillac Formulation 1 crew, I felt one thing completely different. I additionally felt bold however grounded,” Botas stated. “This isn’t only a racing mission, it is a long-term imaginative and prescient. It isn’t each day that we will help us turn into a part of one thing that is constructed from scratch and form it into one thing that actually belongs to the F1 grid.
“I had the dignity of working with a number of the greatest groups on this planet. Right here you possibly can already see the identical professionalism and starvation. It is very particular to me to be an iconic model with an enormous legacy in American motorsports and being a part of the storyline that enters the world stage of Formulation 1.
“We additionally need to thank Mercedes for its unwavering assist and sportsmanship and promote such an thrilling step.”
Talks with Mercedes are ongoing and Bottas can start working with Cadillac earlier than the top of the present season, with crew principal Graeme Loudon saying each drivers will play a significant position in growing the brand new crew.
“Signing two extraordinarily skilled racers like Botas and Cecko is a daring sign of intent,” Lodon stated. “They’ve seen all of it, however they know what it takes to achieve success in Formulation 1, however much more importantly, they perceive what it means to assist construct a crew.
“Their management, suggestions, the instincts that the race struggles, and naturally their pace is invaluable as we carry this crew to life. We’re very grateful to the Mercedes crew for his or her cooperation and understanding.”
