F1's Newest Entrant Cadillac Not All-American Yet; But Why?

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 10:03 IST

Cadillac F1 debuts with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, not an American driver as hoped. Despite Andretti's original vision, the team eyes US talent for the future.

Perez and Bottas will race together for Cadillac from next season onwards (X)

Formula 1’s newest entrant, Cadillac F1, formally launched its first driver lineup Tuesday—though not with the American face many fans had hoped for. Instead, the team announced Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Sergio Pérez of Mexico as its inaugural pairing.

The announcement comes three years after Michael Andretti began the project with a vision of creating a “true American team": U.S. ownership, U.S. engine, and an American driver—specifically IndyCar star Colton Herta.

But Andretti sold his stake in 2023 to TMG Motorsports, and Cadillac, who boast two experienced non-American drivers, are a far cry from achieving their goal.

Why No American Driver?

Cadillac explained earlier this year at the Miami Grand Prix that the ambition to eventually place an American behind the wheel remains intact. However, they argued that a brand-new team cannot afford inexperience.

Herta, now 25, still lacks the FIA super license required to race in Formula 1, despite several strong seasons in IndyCar.

“Launching an F1 program is difficult enough," Dan Towriss of TWG Motorsports said in May. “You need steady hands, proven drivers, and people who can put the team first."

Bottas and Pérez fit that description. Neither had a confirmed seat for 2025, and both accepted that Cadillac will likely not be competitive in its debut season.

Bottas and Pérez Buy In

“The more I was talking to the Cadillac team, the more it became apparent this is what excites me," Pérez said. “It’s not going back with a regular team to fight for podiums—it’s a project itself."

Bottas was openly lobbying for a spot, teasing fans online with Cadillac-themed posts and even a tongue-in-cheek surfing video featuring the American flag. His commitment, he said, reflects the bigger mission. “We don’t need to prove anything to anyone, so we get to put the team first. That’s one of the biggest reasons we were chosen."

The American Dream

Cadillac’s long-term plan is to nurture U.S. talent. Team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed the outfit will eventually establish feeder-series entries and a driver academy. Towriss already backs Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon, teenage sons of late IndyCar star Dan Wheldon.

“We know fans want an American driver in an American team with an American engine," Lowdon said. “I see no barrier to that happening in the future."

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 10:03 IST

News sports F1's Newest Entrant Cadillac Not All-American Yet; But Why?

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