Two veterans, Bottas and Perez, anchor Cadillac's F1 debut, bringing proven talent and championship pedigree to the grid.
Cadillac is getting ready to launch its new Formula 1 team, TWG Cadillac F1, for the 2026 season. This will be the first independent constructor to join the grid since Haas in 2016. Run by General Motors, the team will build its own power units and have several bases in Indiana, North Carolina, Michigan, and the United Kingdom. The engine department will be based in North Carolina.
Snapshot: Two Drivers Bring Extensive Experience to a New Team.
At the helm of both cars are Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Each driver, in their own right, is no stranger to the podium on the F1 circuit. They bring experience, technical know-how, and a winning mentality to a new team.
Valtteri Bottas
Bottas began his Formula 1 career with Williams in 2013, after serving as their test and reserve driver in 2012. He quickly showed he was reliable and consistent. In 2014, he earned his first podium at the Austrian Grand Prix and finished fourth in the drivers’ championship. His best year was 2019, when he won four races and finished second overall, just behind teammate Lewis Hamilton.
In 2022, Bottas signed a multi-year contract with Alfa Romeo (Sauber). While serving as team leader, he consistently scored points for the team and helped achieve the best results in a decade for Alfa Romeo. Valtteri Bottas is a respected figure both on and off the grid. He is admired for his versatility and adaptability in any environment. He is going to be a fan-favourite for the Cadillac F1 team; there is no doubt about it.
Sergio Perez Enters the Chat
Sergio “Checo” Pérez made his Formula 1 debut with Sauber in 2011, becoming the first Mexican F1 driver in over 30 years. A year later, Checo earned his first podium finish in 2013, taking second place at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Perez's impressive display of tyre management helped him secure more podium finishes that year and caught the attention of fans worldwide.In 2013, Perez joined McLaren, taking over after Lewis Hamilton left. However, his time there was challenging. Due to a struggling car and team issues, Checo was not kept for the 2014 season.From 2014 to 2019, Perez drove for Force India, which became Racing Point in 2020. While he did not achieve standout results, he was a reliable midfield point scorer and showed strong tyre management.Sergio Perez earned his first win at the Sakhir Grand Prix, becoming the first Mexican driver since 1970 to achieve this.
Checo Joins Redbull
Perez joined Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen in 2021. That year, he won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and played an important role in the team’s championship campaign by supporting Verstappen. Perez is known for his skill on street circuits, smart race strategies, and ability to turn opportunities into wins.
Cadillac is Poised to Take the Sport by Storm
- With years of technical experience and support from General Motors, the team will have access to a wealth of data and resources.
- New regulations could create a more level playing field. Changes to power units and aerodynamic rules might give the new team an advantage.
- Team Cadillac has the support of the Andretti family. With their experience, the team is expected to make progress in its first season.
The team probably will not win races immediately, but their main goal will be steady progress and scoring points. Long-term success will depend on investment and building F1-specific knowledge and skills.
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