Cadillac F1 has announced its inaugural driver lineup: Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. This decision secures a major benefit from day one, according to former F1 driver Christian Danner, who suggests it's a stronger choice than Mick Schumacher.
Why it matters
A new F1 entrant like Cadillac needs immediate performance and reliability. By choosing two highly experienced and race-winning drivers, the team minimizes risks and maximizes its potential to perform strongly from the outset of their 2026 debut.
The details
- Proven Winners: Sergio Perez boasts 6 Grand Prix wins and played a key role in Red Bull's 2022 and 2023 Constructors' Championships. Valtteri Bottas has 10 Grand Prix victories and contributed to five of Mercedes' consecutive titles.
- Experience vs. Probability: Christian Danner stated to sport.de that Bottas and Perez's combined 527 Grand Prix starts offer a high probability of mistake-free seasons, unlike Schumacher's past record.
- Beyond Experience: Team Principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized that while experience is crucial for a new team, Perez and Bottas were chosen not just for their extensive careers but also for their raw speed. "These are two very, very quick race drivers," Lowdon said.
The big picture
Cadillac's strategic move to secure seasoned talent like Perez and Bottas signals a serious intent to be competitive in F1. This lineup provides a solid foundation for developing the new team and car, leveraging their deep understanding of top-tier F1 machinery and race craft.