Cadillac's long-anticipated entry into Formula 1 is now confirmed for 2026, with seasoned drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez leading the charge. Both racers bring extensive experience to the new American outfit, operating under the General Motors and TWG Motorsports umbrella.
Why it matters
Building a competitive F1 team from scratch is a monumental task, as history shows with new entrants like Haas. Cadillac's project, the first new team since 2016, will initially use Ferrari power before developing its own works engine by 2029. Despite the inherent difficulties, Bottas and Pérez are convinced that Cadillac’s substantial resources and structured approach will accelerate their progress far beyond initial skepticism.
The big picture
Both drivers, experienced race winners, acknowledge the significant challenge ahead. However, they share a strong belief in the project's potential for rapid growth. They aim to leverage their combined experience to guide the team, ensuring Cadillac doesn't just make up the numbers but becomes a serious contender.
Bottas' perspective
Valtteri Bottas emphasized that Cadillac is not entering F1 merely to participate, despite anticipating a tough debut season.
- "With Checo we can definitely guide [the team] in the right direction." Bottas stated.
- He acknowledged the "mountain of work" but firmly believes in the team's ability to achieve success relatively quickly, driven by its strong structure and personnel.
Pérez's perspective
Sergio Pérez echoed Bottas's realism but highlighted Cadillac's extensive expertise across its racing operations as a key advantage.
- "We want to move forward as quickly as possible," Pérez commented, recognizing their limited career timelines.
- He noted the vast experience within the team's engineering and mechanics departments, reinforcing his belief that the project's strong foundations will enable swift progress up the F1 ladder.
What's next
At 35 years old, both Bottas and Pérez are keen to maximize their remaining years in the sport by being part of a project designed for quick success. They are confident that their veteran experience combined with Cadillac's heavyweight backing will fast-track the team's competitiveness. The message from both drivers is clear: while Cadillac's start may be modest, their ascent through the grid is expected to be anything but slow.