Cadillac signed Grand Prix champions Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas when the team first joined Formula One grid in 2026.
Supported by General Motors, the U.S. team, led by former Marusia athletic director Graeme Lowdon, will become the 11th team of the sport next season.
Cadillac chose the experience of the roster, signing “Checo” Perez and Mercedes Reserve Bottas, who have 527 Grand Prixes and have won 16 Grand Prixes between them – 16 Grand Prixes in years of trade.
“Signing two experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intention,” Lowdon said. “They have seen everything and know everything they need to succeed in Formula One. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team.
“Their leadership, feedback, racing instincts, of course, as we bring this team to life. Thanks so much for the collaboration and understanding of the team at Mercedes.”
It was a stunning return for the 35-year-old veteran duo after losing their respective F1 spots at the end of last season.
Perez spent some time thinking about his future goals and stayed with his family after leaving Red Bull, while Bottas stayed in Paddock as his Mercedes reserve after Sauber withdrew.
Perez, Mexico, brought a huge F1 experience, competed in Sauber, McLaren and India/Racing Point before moving to Red Bull, where he helped the team win the team's championships in 2022 and 2023.
“On the Cadillac Formula 1 team is an exciting new chapter in my career,” Perez said. “From our first conversation, I could feel the passion and determination behind this project.
“It’s an honor to be part of building a team that can be developed together so that in time we will fight on the frontline. Cadillac is a legendary name in American Motorsport and helping to bring such a great company to Formula One is a huge responsibility, and I have the confidence to take it.
“I'm honored to be such an ambitious, meaningful project from the start. I'm really excited to be part of such a dynamic lineup and I believe we can help us shape this team into a true contender, the American team. We count on support from across the continent – we want everyone to be proud of.”
Finland’s Bottas has had incredible success at Mercedes, winning the team championship every year from 2017 to 2021.
“From the moment I started talking to the Cadillac Formula One team, I felt a little different – some ambitious, but also rooted,” Bottas said. “It’s not just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision.
“It’s not every day that there is an opportunity to be part of something built from scratch and shape it into something that really belongs to the F1 grid.
“I’m honored to work with some of the best teams in the world, where I can already see the same professionalism and hunger.
“It is an iconic brand that has a great legacy in American motorsports and is very special to me on the world stage that is entering the world stage. I look forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the world’s greatest tour. I also want to thank Mercedes for his support and sport that stands out to make this exciting step.
“Bottas and Checo bring a perfect balance of talent, maturity and drive,” said the CEO of the Cadillac Formula 1 team of Dan Towriss, a division of TWG Global.
“They are not only accomplished racers, they are builders, collaborators and professionals who will help define the representative of the Cadillac Formula One team. This moment not only marks the lineup announcement. It is the beginning of a bold new chapter in American Motorsport.”
General Motors President Mark Reuss added: “Our new driver is a welcome addition to the Cadillac racing family – everyone brings an in-depth experience and unwavering victory.
“Together we have established the foundation for American Motorsports, which will be an extraordinary legacy of Cadillac, General Motors and the sport.”