Cadillac announce Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as drivers for debut F1 season

General Motors’ Cadillac Formula 1 Team, joining the grid next year as the eleventh team, have officially announced their driver line-up for the debut season.

F1 veterans and proven race winners Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas have been confirmed as Cadillac’s first driver pairing.

Bottas, 36, has not only won multiple races during his stint with Mercedes, but has also been a part of championship-winning squads. With 247 race starts and 10 race wins, the Finn brings a ton of experience.

Pérez, on the other hand, is also an experienced campaigner with 281 starts and six wins under his belt. Having most recently been with Red Bull, the Mexican — like Bottas — also boasts championship-winning experience. The 35-year-old has been one of the most consistent drivers in the past decade.

Cadillac will also have former CEO of the Marussia and Virgin F1 teams, Graeme Lowdon. Pat Symonds, the former Chief Technical Officer of Williams, will join the team as their Engineering Consultant, while Nick Chester, who has served as a Technical Director for Mercedes’ Formula E team as well as Renault’s Vehicle Performance Group Head during their championship-winning seasons in 2005 and 2006, will come on board as the Chief Technical Officer.

Speaking about joining Cadillac, Bottas said:

“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula Team, I felt something different –something ambitious but also grounded. 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’ve had the honor of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here. This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. 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.“

Sergio Pérez added:

“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor 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 1 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.“

Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal, Cadillac F1 Team, added:

“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent. They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. 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.“

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team and TWG Motorsports (a division of TWG Global), stated:

“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 line-up announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.“

Mark Reuss, President, General Motors, said:

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