Bottas to Partner Perez at Cadillac for 2026 F1 Return

Valtteri Bottas is officially returning to a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2026, partnering with Sergio Perez at the new Cadillac team. The all-experienced lineup forms the foundation for the American outfit's debut season, marking a significant comeback for the Finnish driver after a year away from a race cockpit. Cadillac is also planning a high-profile livery reveal during the Super Bowl.

Why it matters:

• The Bottas-Perez pairing provides Cadillac with immediate credibility and over 500 race starts of combined experience, a vital asset for a new team navigating its debut season.
• For Bottas, it's a chance to return to a competitive role after a year as Mercedes' reserve driver, aiming to leverage his proven race-winning pedigree.
• The move solidifies a key piece of the 2026 F1 grid, adding another compelling storyline to the new regulations era.

The details:

• Cadillac confirmed the experienced lineup for its first season, with Bottas joining after his 2025 stint as a Mercedes reserve driver.
• Bottas marked the new year with a social media post, signaling his readiness for the upcoming season with the American team.
• The team will unveil its first-ever livery during a commercial break in the Super Bowl halftime show, a high-profile launch strategy befitting its American branding.

What's next:

• All eyes will be on the Super Bowl for the official livery launch, which will provide the first true look at Cadillac's brand identity on an F1 car.
• Following the reveal, the focus will shift to pre-season testing and the immense challenge of integrating a new team, power unit, and driver lineup before the season-opener.
• The performance of this experienced duo will be a key indicator of Cadillac's potential to compete with established teams from the outset.