Checo and Bottas to Cadillac in 2026: Will they hit the ground running ?

Sergio Pérez’s move to the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team has injected both excitement and intrigue into the sport’s 2026 landscape. After an intense final stint with Red Bull Racing, where pressure often overshadowed performance, Pérez has embraced this new challenge with optimism and maturity. His signing represents more than just a career reboot — it’s the cornerstone of Cadillac’s ambitious entry into Formula 1. The Mexican veteran brings proven race-winning pedigree, extensive technical feedback skills, and the popularity to help launch the American manufacturer’s global F1 identity. Pérez has spoken candidly about wanting to “enjoy racing again” and contribute to something from the ground up, suggesting his role goes beyond driving to include mentorship, leadership, and helping define the ethos of the fledgling team. For Cadillac, his blend of experience and composure could be the stabilizing influence they need during their turbulent first seasons.

Joining him is Valtteri Bottas, the former Mercedes race-winner and 10-time Grand Prix victor who spent 2025 on the sidelines before making his full-time return. Bottas sees Cadillac as a chance to reignite his passion and shape a legacy in an entirely new context — not chasing trophies immediately, but helping an American powerhouse find its feet in F1. His methodical approach and strong technical background make him the perfect counterpart to Pérez’s aggressive racecraft. Together, they bring nearly 30 years of combined Formula 1 experience, forming one of the most seasoned lineups ever for a debuting constructor. Cadillac’s decision to pair them underscores a clear strategy: build competitiveness through leadership and consistency rather than hype. If the team’s infrastructure and GM’s resources deliver on their promise, Pérez and Bottas could turn Cadillac from ambitious newcomer into a serious midfield contender — and perhaps, over time, an American success story in the pinnacle of motorsport.