Cadillac F1 Team Confirms Sergio Perez And Valtteri Bottas As First Drivers

By Gary Gastelu |

Aug 26, 2025

Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez — Credit: Cadillac

The new Cadillac Formula 1 Team will have plenty of experience behind the wheel when it hits the grid in 2026.

The U.S.-based team has confirmed that F1 veteran drivers Sergio “Checo” Perez and Valtteri Bottas have been signed as the lead drivers for its inaugural season.

The two have a combined 521 starts and 16 wins between them which brings crucial amount of experience to the startup outfit, which will build its own car next year and add an in-house developed powertrain in 2029.

“Our new drivers are a welcome addition to the Cadillac racing family— each brings a depth of experience, and an unwavering passion to win,” Mark Reuss, GM President said in a news release. “Together, we’re building the foundation for American motorsports that will be an extraordinary legacy for Cadillac, GM and the sport.”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING NEWSLETTER FOR MORE STORIES LIKE THIS

Both 35-year-old drivers last competed in 2024, with Bottas leaving the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber and Perez departing Oracle Red Bull Racing at the end of the season.

**Sergio Perez last drove for Oracle Red Bull Racing.**Credit: Cadillac

Bottas is currently a reserve driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and has done testing for the McLaren F1 Team.

**Valtteri Bottas is a reserve driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.**Credit: Valtteri Bottas

General Motors has teamed up with TWG Motorsports to launch the new effort, which has technical facilities in Michigan, North Carolina and the U.K.

Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac Formula 1^® Team and TWG Motorsports, a division of TWG Global, emphasized the synergy of experience and ambition.

MORE RACING NEWS FROM AMERICAN CARS AND RACING

“Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a lineup announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport,” Cadillac Formula 1 Team CEO Dan Towriss said.

The team will use Ferrari powertrains during its first three seasons before the one being developed by its GM Performance Power Units division is ready in 2029.