Cadillac Boss Lowdon: Perez and Bottas Enthusiasm Key to Team Unity

Cadillac Boss Lowdon: Perez and Bottas Enthusiasm Key to Team Unity

Cadillac's upcoming Formula 1 team has announced its driver lineup for the 2026 season, featuring experienced talents Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Team Principal Graeme Lowdon shared insights into the drivers' reactions, emphasizing that their excitement will be crucial in "gelling everything together" for the new team.

Why it matters:

A new Formula 1 team faces immense challenges, and a cohesive driver pairing is vital for success from the outset. Lowdon's focus on driver enthusiasm highlights Cadillac's strategy to build a strong internal dynamic, leveraging the experience of two established F1 veterans. This approach aims to accelerate team integration and performance ahead of their debut.

The big picture:

Cadillac confirmed Perez and Bottas on August 26, 2025, a strategic move to bring seasoned expertise to their maiden F1 campaign. Lowdon expressed satisfaction with the drivers' immediate spark of excitement, seeing it as a foundational element for team cohesion.

"It was great to see the reaction of the drivers as well," Lowdon told F1.com. "Obviously, it's clear for everyone we've gone for experience with Valtteri and Checo. But when we told each driver, there was that spark of excitement as well and, for me, that's what I look for. If you have an enthusiastic driver line-up, that helps gel everything together."

The details:

• Sergio Perez's Return:

  • Perez joins Cadillac after a year away from a full-time F1 seat, having been replaced by Liam Lawson at Red Bull for the 2025 season.
  • Over a 14-year F1 career, Perez has achieved six wins, 39 podiums, and three pole positions across various teams including Sauber, McLaren, Force India, Racing Point, and Red Bull.
  • Lowdon is confident Perez will quickly regain his pace: "I don't think he will have forgotten how to drive, that's for sure. We'll have him on the simulator quite soon. We're going to do some testing in real-world cars as well."
  • The 2026 season offers increased testing opportunities: "Unlike a normal championship year, where there's only three days of testing, for 2026 there's going to be an initial test in Barcelona and then two additional tests in Bahrain. We'll have three times the amount of testing so that will help get them up to speed as well."

• Valtteri Bottas's Continued Involvement:

  • Bottas returns to Mercedes as a reserve driver in 2025 after his contract with Sauber expired at the end of 2024.
  • His 12-year full-time F1 career includes stints with Williams, Mercedes, and Alfa Romeo/Sauber, amassing 10 Grand Prix wins, 67 podiums, and 20 pole positions.
  • Lowdon highlights Bottas's value due to his recent Mercedes experience, especially with the significant changes expected for 2026 in power units and tires.
  • "With Valtteri, it'll help a lot [that he's been with Mercedes] because there's a lot that is new in 2026 in terms of tyres and power units in particular," Lowdon stated. "It's quite valuable to have a driver who hasn't left the paddock, so each weekend he'll be in all the engineering meetings, his mind staying sharp."

What's next:

Cadillac is focused on integrating their experienced drivers into the team's nascent structure. The emphasis on enthusiasm and a strong personal connection between team members will be paramount as they build towards their 2026 F1 debut, utilizing extensive testing opportunities to ensure both drivers are fully up to speed.