Valtteri Bottas Confirmed for Cadillac F1 Team in 2026

The Big News: Bottas Joins Cadillac F1 in 2026

Valtteri Bottas is officially confirmed to join the Cadillac F1 team as a full-time driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This announcement marks a significant new chapter for the Finn, who will return to a full-time race seat after a planned gap year.

Why it matters

This move is pivotal for both Bottas and Cadillac. For Bottas, it signifies his commitment to a new long-term project and a return to the forefront of F1 after his current commitments. For Cadillac, it heralds their ambitious entry into Formula 1 with an experienced and highly regarded driver at the helm, representing an iconic American brand on the global stage.

The details

Bottas, who raced for Sauber in the 2024 season, will serve as Mercedes' third driver for 2025 before making his highly anticipated switch to Cadillac. His experience with top-tier teams like Mercedes and his previous stint with Sauber will be invaluable as Cadillac builds its F1 program from the ground up.

In his reaction, Bottas expressed immense enthusiasm for the project:

• "From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 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."
• "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."
• He also extended his gratitude to Mercedes for their support in facilitating this exciting new step in his career.

What's next

Attention will now turn to Cadillac's preparations for their F1 debut in 2026. Bottas's role will be crucial in shaping the team's development and culture, aiming to establish Cadillac as a competitive force in Formula 1 from its very first race.