Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are set to return to F1 next year, with the new Cadillac team confirming its driver line-up. The American manufacturer will join the F1 grid next year, which is also when the new F1 rules come into effect, bringing new power units, active aerodynamics, 100 percent sustainable fuel, and more. It is understood that both drivers have been signed on multi-year deals.
- Cadillac joining F1 as 11th team next year
- Bottas, Perez signed on multi-year deals
Cadillac signs Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas
“They understand what it means to help build a team,” says Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon
Cadillac has opted for experience with its driver line-up, with Perez and Bottas sharing over 500 F1 race starts and 16 wins combined. Both racers have plenty of experience with top teams but were left without a seat this year – Gabriel Bortoleto replaced Bottas at Sauber (which will transform into Audi’s works F1 team next year), while Liam Lawson replaced Perez at Red Bull.
“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” explained Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon. “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 also plans to build its own F1 engines in the future, but in the meantime, the team has signed an agreement with Ferrari to use its power units and gearboxes. The team has acquired some high-profile names, including ex-F1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds and former Renault F1 technical director Nick Chester.
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