5 Possible reasons why Cadillac chose Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for their 2026 F1 lineup

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has already made waves, but its first driver announcement might be even more eye-catching. For its 2026 debut season, the American manufacturer has confirmed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as its line-up.

Both drivers return to the grid after sitting out 2025, offering Cadillac a unique blend of experience and proven pedigree.This article sheds light on five possible reasons for Cadillac to opt for these two veterans instead of banking on younger talent.

Why Cadillac selected Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for their 2026 F1 driver lineup

In an environment as competitive as Formula 1, results speak louder than potential. Between them, Bottas and Perez have 16 Grand Prix victories, alongside dozens of podiums and years spent racing for top-tier outfits. Here are 5 possible reasons for this decision:

1. Proven race-winning pedigree

Bottas has 10 wins and 20 poles to his name, mostly during his Mercedes partnership with Lewis Hamilton, while Perez became a fan favorite for his remarkable 2020 Racing Point victory and five subsequent triumphs with Red Bull.

For Cadillac, hiring drivers who know how to win instantly adds credibility to a new team fighting to establish itself.

2. Veteran leadership and technical expertise

Building a competitive F1 car from scratch requires more than speed behind the wheel, it demands detailed feedback, leadership in development, and calmness under pressure. Both drivers have reputations for working effectively with engineers and contributing to car performance beyond race day.

Bottas’ years at Mercedes, where he learned in one of the sport’s most efficient operations, provide invaluable technical grounding. Perez, meanwhile, is admired for his adaptability and ability to maximize performance even when machinery isn’t at its best.

3. Opting for stability over risk

Cadillac and its partners, General Motors and TWG Motorsports, had the option of chasing young, up-and-coming talents. But while rookies bring fresh energy, they also bring unpredictability.

For a brand-new team, stability may have been a bigger priority.By selecting two seasoned drivers, Cadillac ensures that its first season won’t be spent managing rookie mistakes or inexperience. Instead, Bottas and Perez can guide the team through the steep learning curve of F1’s technical and competitive demands.

4. To create an inspiring redemption story

Beyond the numbers, there’s a human element. Both Bottas and Perez faced challenging exits from Formula 1 at the end of 2024.

Bottas de-signed after a low-key stint at Sauber, and Perez after a difficult final season at Red Bull. Neither driver wanted their careers defined by those final chapters.

Cadillac offers them both a lifeline and a chance at redemption. Their hunger to prove themselves again could translate into the kind of determination a new team desperately needs.

5. A statement of intent by Cadillac

Last, but not least, the decision of signing Bottas and Perez by Cadillac sends a clear message that they are not in Formula 1 simply to participate. By putting two established race winners in its first car, the team shows it aims to compete, grow quickly, and earn respect on the grid.In Bottas and Perez, Cadillac hasn’t just signed F1 drivers, it has signed ambassadors for the project, leaders in the garage, and racers who know what it takes to stand on the top step.