Cadillac to join Formula 1 grid in 2026 as No.11 team; Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to return to racing after Red Bull and Sauber exits at end of 2024; 2025 season to continue on Sky Sports F1 this weekend with Dutch Grand Prix
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Sky Sports' Craig Slater reveals key details on the appointments of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez to the Cadillac team ahead of their debut season in 2026.
Formula 1 newcomer Cadillac has signed deals with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as its main drivers for the inaugural 2026 season.
The drivers will return to racing after a year-long break: Perez left Red Bull following an unsuccessful 2024 season despite signing a contract extension earlier, and Bottas became Mercedes' reserve driver in 2025 after ending his partnership with Sauber.
The Finnish driver, who previously raced alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, will remain in the Silver Arrows' lineup as a reserve driver.
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According to Sky Sports News, both contracts are for multiple seasons.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the drivers' future careers, Cadillac's interest in experienced drivers has opened the door for them to return to the top echelon of motorsports.
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Team principal Graham Lowdon described the signings as a “strong statement of purpose”, while CEO Dan Touriss said: “This is not just a roster reveal, it's the start of an ambitious era for American motorsport.”
Loudon stressed: “They have unique experience and understand the demands of Formula 1. More importantly, they are prepared to be involved in building a team from scratch.”
“Their leadership, feedback and speed will be the foundation for our development.”
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Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle backed Cadillac's choice, pointing out the need for time to get the team in sync.
“The perfect tandem for a start,” he wrote in X. “Experience and patience are critical in the first year, when resources are limited and rookie mistakes can be critical.”
“They may have to show patience during the period of adaptation to the new technical regulations.”
Perez: “Let's Make Cadillac the Pride of America”
Expectations of the American driver's inclusion in the Cadillac line-up were not met, but the team combined the duo with 527 starts, 106 podiums and 16 victories.
Perez, 35, a six-time race winner, enters his 15th F1 season. His best result was second place in the 2023 championship with Red Bull.
“Participation in the Cadillac project is a new challenge in my career,” the driver said. “The team's enthusiasm convinced me to join in creating a competitive team.”
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“Cadillac is a legend on the American circuit. Helping this brand enter F1 is a responsibility I am ready to bear. We will build a team that will be proud of.”
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Bottas: 'Building Cadillac's future in F1'
Bottas, who is celebrating his 36th birthday, made his debut for Williams in 2013 and drove for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, where he twice finished vice-champion.
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“The Cadillac project combines ambition with realism,” Bottas said. “It's rare to have the chance to help build a team from scratch. I've seen the professionalism at work and I believe in success.”
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Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are the new Cadillac duo.
Sky Sports News' Craig Slater from Cadillac HQ:
The team has carried out a detailed selection of drivers and is pleased with the result. Bottas, despite the interest of Alpine, chose Cadillac. Both drivers are eager to prove their worth after the break.
F1 2026 Team Lineups
| Team | Pilot | Pilot |
| Mclaren | Lando Norris | Oscar Piastri |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc | Lewis Hamilton |
| Mercedes | ??? | ??? |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen | ??? |
| Williams | Alex Albon | Carlos Sainz |
| Aston Martin | Fernando Alonso | Lance Stroll |
| Audi | Nico Hulkenberg | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| Racing bulls | ??? | ??? |
| Haas | Esteban Ocon | Oliver Birman |
| Alpine | Pierre Gasly | ??? |
| Cadillac | Valtteri Bottas | Sergio Perez |
Cadillac management is confident that the return of experienced drivers will help the team prepare for its debut in a short time. The main question is whether they will be able to reveal the project's potential under tight deadlines.
Formula 1 returns with the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort from 29-31 August. Watch live on Sky Sports F1. Sky Sports is available with no long-term commitment – cancel anytime.
Sourse: skysports.com
