Bottas/Perez lineup “a bold signal of intent” – Cadillac

Cadillac F1 team boss Graeme Lowdon says signing experienced grand prix winners Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez to the programme is a “bold signal of intent”.

On Tuesday the TWG Motorsports-owned squad confirmed Bottas and Perez would form the squad’s backbone as it enters the sport in 2026 as an 11th expansion team, starting from the ground up at a European headquarters in Silverstone as well as bases in Indiana and North Carolina.

General Motors brand Cadillac entertained various driver options over the past year, with it known to have held talks with Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich and American F2 prospect Jak Crawford, also an Aston junior driver.

Cadillac does harbour a long-term ambition to bring through American drivers, but its preferred option for its foundational years has always been to go for proven F1 experience; pairing Bottas and Perez, who combine for 16 grand prix wins, over 100 podiums and more than 500 starts, certainly achieves this.

With both Bottas and Perez having driven for championship-calibre teams at Mercedes and Red Bull respectively, team boss Lowdon said their intimate knowledge of what makes an F1 team work would be key to help build Cadillac into a successful entity.

“Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” said team principal Graeme Lowdon. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in F1. 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. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding.”

TWG and Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss added: “Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a lineup announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport.”

Mark Reuss, president of Cadillac’s parent company GM, also backed the squad’s driver choices: “Our new drivers are a welcome addition to the Cadillac racing family; each brings a depth of experience, and an unwavering passion to win,” Reuss said. “Together, we’re building the foundation for American motorsports that will be an extraordinary legacy for Cadillac, GM and the sport.”