Valtteri Bottas knows early involvement with Cadillac is crucial if he wants to avoid being overshadowed by Sergio Perez in 2026.
Valtteri Bottas has made it clear that he feels an urgent need to get fully involved with Cadillac’s Formula 1 project, as he looks to match Sergio Perez’s level and avoid a potentially embarrassing debut season in 2026. With the American manufacturer preparing for its entry under a brand-new regulatory era, Bottas understands that preparation, timing, and early influence could define not only Cadillac’s future, but also his own standing within the team.
In comments published by RACER, the former Mercedes driver was direct about his mindset as he begins this new chapter. “I’m excited to finally get started as a driver for the Cadillac Formula 1 team,” Bottas said. “This is a proud moment in my career, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter on the grid with a team that is starting its journey in this sport.” His words underline how seriously he is taking a role that already comes with internal comparisons to Perez.
Bottas brings years of experience from Mercedes, where he played a key role during one of the most dominant periods in Formula 1 history. That background positions him as a valuable asset during Cadillac’s formative stages, particularly in areas such as car development feedback, simulator work, and translating engineering direction into on-track performance.
However, the pressure is clear. Checo is already confirmed as a cornerstone of the project and arrives with a reputation as a proven race winner capable of adapting quickly to new environments. Bottas knows that if he fails to integrate early or influence development, the performance gap between them could become difficult to justify once racing begins.
Bottas embraces leadership role at Cadillac
Bottas emphasized that the road ahead will be demanding, especially for a brand-new team entering Formula 1 at a time of sweeping technical changes. “There is a lot of hard work ahead, so I’m really looking forward to using my experience to help the team now that I’m fully on board,” he explained, highlighting the importance of groundwork well before the first race.
He also stressed that early preparation will be critical. “It’s important to prepare properly, because these moments are really the first steps toward being ready for the first test,” Bottas added. “I’m really looking forward to the season starting and getting back to racing.”
With Cadillac still building its structure and identity in Formula 1, Bottas’s urgency reflects a clear understanding of how unforgiving the sport can be for new entrants. As 2026 approaches, his experience and early involvement could prove decisive—either helping Cadillac close the gap or leaving him exposed next to a driver like Sergio Perez, who already knows how to win under pressure.
