Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have officially been announced as Cadillac’s inaugural drivers, marking a significant milestone for the brand in the world of Formula 1.
Cadillac’s New Era in Formula 1
[IMAGE0CONTEXT:bmw_500] The duo, both accomplished race winners, finds themselves at the forefront of Cadillac’s new venture as it prepares to join the grid as the sport’s 11th team. With a combined experience of over 500 race starts, more than 100 podium finishes, and 16 race victories, Perez and Bottas bring a wealth of knowledge to the team. Bottas, who served as a test and reserve driver for Mercedes in 2025, expressed his enthusiasm about contributing to the team’s long-term success.
“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” Bottas remarked. “This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.” He noted that he recognized the same level of professionalism at Cadillac as he experienced with his previous teams, which include Williams, Mercedes, and Sauber.
“I’ve had the honour of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here,” he continued. “This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I’d also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.”
A New Chapter for Perez
Perez, who parted ways with Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2024 season after four years with the team, described this opportunity as “an incredibly exciting new chapter” in his career. “From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honour to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front,” he stated. “Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on. I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning.”
The announcement was accompanied by a stylized video shared on social media, featuring actor Keanu Reeves, who will host a documentary following the team’s inaugural season. In the Matrix-inspired clip, Reeves said, “Few are called. Fewer still are chosen. Do you want the spotlight or the legacy it leaves behind? The godfathers of American glory. The rock stars of culture. Cadillac has defined the road, and now, the fastest roads of all. Not for a season, but for a future. A man has but one destiny. But destinies are written together.” The drivers then revealed themselves as Cadillac’s first lineup, with Reeves adding, “We’ve been expecting you.”
A Bold Signal of Intent
Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon characterized the signings of Bottas and Perez as “a bold signal of intent,” highlighting their experience and potential to shape the team from the ground up. “Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” he noted. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts, and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life.”
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has been one of the most anticipated developments in 2025, with the General Motors brand establishing its operations across three locations in Indiana, North Carolina, and Silverstone. This marks the first new team to join the grid since Haas in 2016.