Checo Pérez Returns to Formula 1 Alongside Valtteri Bottas with Cadillac

The American team will debut in 2026 with two experienced drivers

Miami, August 23, 2025 – Formula 1 is preparing for a historic debut in 2026 with the arrival of Cadillac Racing, a team backed by General Motors and led by Graeme Lowdon, former Sporting Director of Marussia. The American squad will become the 11th team on the grid and has opted for experience and leadership by signing Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Valtteri Bottas as its main drivers.

A dream comeback for two veterans

Both drivers, aged 35, return to the pinnacle of motorsport after losing their race seats at the end of last season. Cadillac has offered them multi-year contracts, aiming not only for immediate results but also to secure long-term growth and help build the project from the ground up.

Pérez and Bottas bring with them an impressive résumé: 527 Grand Prix starts combined and 16 Formula 1 victories, making them one of the most experienced duos on the grid.

Leadership and experience for a new team

Graeme Lowdon emphasized that bringing in Pérez and Bottas is a strong statement of intent:

“Signing two such experienced drivers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of what we want to achieve. They know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1, but more importantly, they understand the process of building a team from scratch,” said Lowdon.

Their leadership, technical feedback, and race-hardened instincts will be crucial not only on the track but also in the development of the car and the establishment of a winning culture within the team.

Cadillac in Formula 1’s new era

Cadillac’s entry marks a significant step for American motorsport, strengthening the U.S. presence in Formula 1 alongside Haas and the three U.S. Grands Prix in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas.

With Pérez and Bottas leading the charge, Cadillac’s goal is to compete solidly from day one and aim for consistent results in the medium term while establishing itself in the highly competitive F1 landscape.