Valtteri Bottas, the newest recruit for the Cadillac F1 team, has shared a surprising insight into the timeline of discussions that led to his signing. Bottas, alongside Sergio Perez, was announced as one of the burgeoning team’s foundation drivers this week.
Why it matters
The confirmation of Bottas and Perez provides crucial experience for Cadillac, a new entrant set to join the F1 grid in 2026. Their combined F1 wisdom will be vital in guiding the team through its initial phase, especially as new chassis and power unit regulations debut simultaneously.
The long road to F1
Cadillac's journey to the F1 grid has been complex. Originally approved as "Andretti Global" in February 2024, the entry faced rejection attempts from Formula One Management, leading to antitrust concerns from the United States Department of Justice. This saga reportedly contributed to Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei's departure. Ultimately, the operation re-emerged as Cadillac, with Dan Towriss continuing his financial backing.
The details
Despite the public drama, Bottas revealed his discussions with Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon began about two years ago, in 2023.
- Lowdon consistently kept Bottas updated on the team's progress.
- Early this year, Bottas decided he wanted to be part of "this great brand, this start-up Formula 1 team – but with great structure and big goals."
- He intends to leverage his experience alongside Perez to guide the team in the right direction.
Bottas spent five years with Mercedes, securing 10 wins and contributing to multiple Constructors' Championships, before moving to Sauber with the goal of leading them forward. However, Sauber's acquisition by Audi left him seeking new opportunities.
What's next
Cadillac will debut in the 2026 season. While Bottas acknowledges the "mountain of work" ahead and a "difficult start," he insists the team aims to be competitive, not to "stay at the back." Until then, Bottas will serve as Mercedes' reserve driver for the remainder of the F1 2025 season. His and Perez's combined 16 Grand Prix wins, though unlikely to grow immediately, provide a solid foundation for the ambitious new team.