Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are set to make their F1 return in 2026 with Cadillac, forming the new team's inaugural driver lineup. This move comes despite recent speculation linking both drivers to Alpine. Their choice of Cadillac over an established team like Alpine raises questions about long-term stability versus immediate competitiveness.
Why it matters
Both Bottas and Perez, seasoned F1 veterans, will bring immense experience to Cadillac. Their decision to join a brand-new outfit, foregoing potential opportunities with Alpine, signals a strategic shift in their careers, prioritizing a stable, long-term project over a potentially turbulent one.
The big picture
Both drivers found themselves without a seat for the 2025 season after departing Sauber and Red Bull respectively. Bottas secured a reserve role with Mercedes, while Perez took a sabbatical to focus on personal and business interests, alongside a management change. Cadillac, led by Graeme Lowdon, had numerous options for its 2026 lineup, ultimately leaning towards experienced drivers.
Speculation also suggested Alpine was considering both drivers as replacements for Franco Colapinto, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirming talks between Flavio Briatore and Bottas. While less concrete, Perez was also rumored to be on Alpine's radar.
Why Cadillac over Alpine?
- Greater Security and Stability: Cadillac likely offers a more secure environment. Jumping into an established team mid-season, especially with a car like the uncompetitive A525, presents significant challenges for drivers lacking recent race sharpness. For 2026, while Alpine switches to Mercedes power and has solid chassis design, its history of frequent management and driver changes creates uncertainty.
- Long-Term Project: Approaching their mid-30s, Bottas and Perez may be seeking a multi-year project with an underdog team, rather than short-term gains. Cadillac represents a factory effort from a major manufacturer (General Motors aiming for a full power unit by 2029), offering a potentially longer career path.
- Reduced Pressure: Cadillac is expected to start with lower expectations, allowing both drivers to regain their sharpness without intense immediate pressure. This contrasts sharply with Alpine's internal volatility, characterized by regular senior management turnover (e.g., Steve Nielsen joining after Oli Oakes' resignation) and an unpredictable driver market.
- Driver Uncertainty at Alpine: Alpine's recent track record with drivers like Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto highlights a lack of long-term commitment. Colapinto's initial five-race evaluation, now extended, still offers little certainty, a major deterrent for experienced drivers seeking stability.
What's next
Confirmation of Bottas and Perez joining Cadillac is anticipated soon. While Alpine might have missed out on these experienced drivers, the team still has options. Pierre Gasly is secure, and the second half of the season will be crucial for Colapinto to prove his worth. Other potential candidates for Alpine include F2 talents like Paul Aron or Alex Dunne, as well as Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson, or even Mercedes juniors like Kimi Antonelli if unexpected shifts occur. For Bottas and Perez, Cadillac provides a calmer, project-oriented return to the pinnacle of motorsport.