The Formula 1 world was pleasantly surprised by Cadillac's announcement of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as their drivers for the 2026 season. The unveiling of the experienced duo has been met with excitement and a touch of humor, as fans and analysts alike react to what many consider a "hilariously wholesome" pairing.
Both Bottas and Pérez will be making their return to the F1 grid after a year away. Pérez was let go by Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2024 season, despite having previously signed a contract extension. Bottas, after being dropped by Sauber, spent the 2025 season as a reserve driver for Mercedes.
The selection of Bottas and Pérez signals Cadillac's intent to enter Formula 1 with a wealth of experience. With a combined total of 527 Grand Prix starts, 106 podiums, and 16 race wins between them, the pair brings a level of expertise that could prove invaluable for a brand-new team. Graeme Lowdon, who will lead the American squad, emphasized the importance of their experience and leadership in building the team.
Bottas expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "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 further added that he sees the same "professionalism and hunger" within the Cadillac team as he has witnessed in some of the best teams in the world.
Pérez echoed Bottas' sentiments, stating he was "proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning". He is eager to put his challenging last season with Red Bull "in the rearview mirror" and contribute to building an "extraordinary legacy for Cadillac, GM, and the sport".
The move has been seen by some as a smart decision by Cadillac, bringing in two drivers who were already out of the sport and likely to accept a lower salary just to get back in. Others suggest that both drivers have "something left to prove".
While some had anticipated Cadillac might choose at least one American driver, the team opted for experience and proven talent. Team CEO Dan Towriss highlighted that their experience, leadership, and technical skills are precisely what the team needs. He believes it is "the right combination – the right drivers at the right time".
Cadillac will use Ferrari power units until 2029, after which General Motors hopes to have its own. The team faces a steep learning curve as the 11th team entering F1 at the start of a new engine era.
The reactions to the Bottas-Pérez pairing have been largely positive, with many appreciating the blend of experience and the opportunity for both drivers to revitalize their careers. Some fans humorously predict that Bottas will consistently outperform Pérez in qualifying but lose positions in the race due to a lack of aggression. Others anticipate that the two drivers, with their different strengths, will push each other and contribute to the team's development.
Overall, the announcement of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as Cadillac's drivers has generated considerable excitement and anticipation for the team's debut in 2026. The "hilariously wholesome" reactions reflect the fans' enthusiasm for seeing these experienced drivers given a fresh opportunity to contribute to a new and ambitious project.
