American automotive brand Cadillac is preparing to enter Formula 1 in 2026, currently without confirmed drivers. Reports now indicate that the team has agreed terms with former F1 driver Valtteri Bottas, who lost his full-time seat after leaving Sauber at the end of 2024. Bottas, currently Mercedes’ reserve driver, is expected to bring valuable experience for Cadillac’s debut season, although no contract has yet been signed.
Journalist Julianne Cerasoli shared insights on the developing situation, explaining the urgent need for a simulator driver to advance their preparations before the 2026 campaign. She noted:
“I spent most of the day, up and down the paddock, trying to figure out what is going on with Cadillac, with the drivers,”
—Julianne Cerasoli, Journalist
She added that while terms with Bottas are agreed, final signatures remain pending, highlighting similarities to his previous unsigned Sauber agreement. Cerasoli emphasized the urgency:
“But now, it’s the same situation. Terms agreed, and they really need a driver for the simulator, and they need it now.”
—Julianne Cerasoli, Journalist
Discussions Ongoing for Multiple Driver Candidates
Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed ongoing negotiations with several drivers to fill their two available seats. Among the leading contenders are experienced racers Sergio Perez and Mick Schumacher, as the team seeks at least one veteran driver for their initial F1 campaign. Bottas and Perez stand out for their extensive race history, with Bottas having started 246 grands prix and securing 67 podiums during his career so far.
In comparison, Sergio Perez has competed in 281 races since 2011 and won six grands prix over his career, bringing a slightly different but valuable skill set. Other names linked to Cadillac include Zhou Guanyu, Mick Schumacher, and American driver Colton Herta, but Bottas and Perez appear to be front-runners for the likely driver lineup.
Implications for Cadillac’s First Season in Formula 1
Securing a seasoned driver like Bottas signals Cadillac’s commitment to competing strongly in Formula 1’s demanding environment. Their need for a capable simulator driver underscores the challenges new teams face in adapting to the sport’s technical intensity. The upcoming driver announcements will provide clearer direction for Cadillac’s 2026 season ambitions, marking a significant development in the sport as the American brand prepares its entry.