Cadillac is closing in on finalizing its driver lineup for its debut in Formula 1 in 2026, with advanced negotiations and key agreements already reached with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, although the contracts have not yet been fully formalized. Valtteri Bottas, currently serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes, represents a bet on experience for the new American team. 

A 10-time Grand Prix winner with nearly 250 race starts, his addition would bring technical knowledge and proven stability to Cadillac’s entry into F1. Pérez, who became a free agent following his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024, is expected to join as the second driver, though his agreement has not yet been made official.

At the same time, team boss Graeme Lowdon remains cautious, leaving open the possibility of considering other names. Among the alternatives are young prospects or drivers with a strong American profile, such as Colton Herta.

Reports also suggest that, while Bottas’s deal is nearly complete, there are voices within Cadillac favoring another choice, potentially tied to the “Ferrari family.” Another important detail is that if Bottas returns to the grid with Cadillac, he will have to serve a grid penalty, a carryover from a sanction he received in his last race with Sauber.

Context of the Cadillac F1 Project Cadillac will be the first American constructor to join F1 since 2016, making its debut as the eleventh team on the grid. The team is part of TWG Motorsports, a division of TWG Global led by Dan Towriss, which operates multiple racing teams and includes the participation of General Motors. Initially, Cadillac will compete using Ferrari power units, although GM is expected to produce its own engines later in the decade.