Cadillac F1 debut: Why Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are the ideal drivers for 2026

The new F1 team Cadillac has finally made its choice — going for experience and talent for their debutant drivers. Amid several names making the rounds, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have finally made the cut to make their much-awaited comeback to F1.

On that note, here’s a look at its strategy and how other F1 teams fared when they made a similar or different choice for their debut.

Why Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are perfect for Cadillac

Cadillac has chosen Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, both of whom bring experience from racing for top teams. The two have extensive experience on F1 tracks and the fire within to make a comeback they and their fans have been waiting for. Both had left unceremoniously, and the promising Cadillac project serves as a perfect platform for them to return for their second innings.Perez and Bottas will not just bring their racing talent and experience to the 2025 F1 season; they will also play a pivotal role in attracting notable and experienced support staff that Cadillac may need to build an advantage over competitors. The same strategy was employed by Red Bull when it took over Jaguar to form a new team, with David Coulthard as one of the drivers.

How Cadillac’s move is similar to and different from Red Bull

According to a Motorsport report, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas may prove to be what David Coulthard was for Red Bull.

DC was instrumental in attracting Adrian Newey to join the team and build the championship-winning outfit it is today.Another notable point is that instead of poaching an even bigger driver like Max Verstappen, George Russell, or Lewis Hamilton, Cadillac opted to give Perez and Bottas the platform they had been waiting for. Red Bull had also signed Christian Klien as the second driver, as the team didn’t need a driver bigger than what their new car could handle.

Cadillac seems to have learned from previous new teams

One thing that stood out among previous new F1 teams like Lola and Toyota was that those who couldn’t survive the initial years didn’t go far and quit the grid altogether. Lola hired inexperienced drivers and had to pack up sooner than expected. The team debuted alongside Stewart Grand Prix, which, on the other hand, fielded more promising drivers — Rubens Barrichello and Jan Magnussen. That team somehow managed to survive before evolving into Red Bull.

So maybe, Cadillac has already made the correct choice in Perez and Bottas.Also Read: F1 fans rejoice as Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas confirm Cadillac F1 debut: “Dream team”"I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas,” a hopeful Perez said, as per Motorsport.Cadillac will join the grid as the 11th team in the next F1 season in 2026.