The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has confirmed its first-ever driver line-up for its 2026 debut: Valtteri Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner, and Sergio “Checo” Pérez, a six-time race winner with a huge global following.
Between them, they bring over 500 race starts, more than 100 podiums, and years of technical expertise and this is the kind of credentials you want when building an F1 team from the ground up.
Why Bottas and Pérez? Two safe pairs of hands for a rookie team!
Starting a brand-new Formula 1 team isn’t just about designing a quick car. It’s about building processes, technology, team spirit and culture. All at once, while competing against the most established outfits in motorsport.
By choosing Bottas and Pérez, Cadillac has gone for stability and experience over short-term excitement. This is no tactical, one-year gamble. It’s a multi-year plan built on.
– Both drivers bring valuable development experience, knowing how to guide a car’s evolution from day one.
– They also provide strong leadership qualities, helping set the tone inside the garage and build a cohesive team culture.
– Their proven race-winning ability shows they know what it takes to stand on the top step.
– Finally, they offer significant commercial appeal — a new team needs partners, and both drivers deliver serious sponsor value.
In other words, Cadillac has signed foundation drivers. They are quick on track, credible off track, and marketable worldwide.
Checo Pérez: Experience and a Passionate Fanbase
Pérez’s arrival is a masterstroke for global reach. His massive support in Mexico and across Latin America brings built-in sponsorship opportunities, helping Cadillac connect with fans throughout the Americas. Add in his racecraft and ability to deliver under pressure, and you have a proven asset for a new team.
Valtteri Bottas: Calm Leadership with Commercial Flair
Bottas offers not just experience, but also a relaxed, sponsor-friendly persona that makes him ideal for building relationships with partners. He’s been part of championship-winning environments before, which is quite crucial when laying down the DNA of a brand-new outfit.
A Strategic Blend of Talent and Marketability
Together, Bottas and Pérez represent the perfect mix of competitive credibility and commercial strength.
Cadillac isn’t just thinking about lap times in 2026; they’re thinking long-term: creating a strong team culture, securing partners, and ensuring the project is sustainable.
From a commercial and marketing perspective, it’s hard to fault this choice. Two highly experienced drivers, both fast and respected, will give Cadillac the solid foundation every new F1 team dreams of.
What’s your take on this? Do you agree with your dearest Paddock Queen? Let’s hear it in the comments!
Photo courtesy: Cadillac Formula 1 Team
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A safe, quantifiable bet, both drivers have shown to still possess raw speed in qualifying and with
Experience and their particular set of skills make them dependable during the race.
I agree, Israr. Thank you for your comment.