Cadillac has confirmed its first driver line-up in Method 1 will likely be shaped by Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in 2026.
F1’s latest entrant will be part of the grid subsequent season, and has been concentrating on expertise in not less than one in every of its two race seats because it continues to construct the group from scratch. The Basic Motors and TWG Motorsports backed outfit has now signed a pair of a number of race-winners, with six-time winner Perez returning to the grid after being dropped by Purple Bull on the finish of final season.
“Becoming a member of the Cadillac Method 1 Crew is an extremely thrilling new chapter in my profession,” Perez stated. “From our first conversations, I might sense the eagerness and dedication behind this undertaking. It is an honor to be a part of a constructing a group that may develop collectively in order that, in time, we’ll combat on the very entrance.
“Cadillac is a legendary title in American motorsport, and to assist carry such a implausible firm to Method 1 is a big accountability, one I’m assured of taking up.
“I’m proud to be a part of such an bold and significant undertaking from the very starting. I’m actually happy to be a part of such a dynamic line-up, and collectively I consider we will help form this group into an actual contender, the group of the Americas. We’re relying on assist from throughout the continent – and we wish to make everybody proud.”
Alongside Perez will likely be former Mercedes, Williams and Sauber driver Bottas, who has 10 wins to his title and an additional 67 podiums, culminating in a mixed whole of over 100 podiums and greater than 500 race begins between the pair.
Perez will return to the F1` grid for the primary time since splitting with Purple Bull on the finish of 2024. Mark Thompson/Getty Pictures
“From the second I started talking with the Cadillac Method 1 Crew, I felt one thing totally different – one thing bold but in addition grounded,” Bottas stated. “This isn’t only a racing undertaking; it’s a long-term imaginative and prescient. It isn’t daily that you just get an opportunity to be a part of one thing being constructed from the bottom up and serving to form it into one thing that actually belongs on the F1 grid.
“I’ve had the consideration of working with a number of the greatest groups on the earth, and I can already see the identical professionalism and starvation right here. That is an iconic model with an enormous legacy in American motorsport, and to be part of the story because it enters the world stage of F1 is extremely particular for me. I’m wanting ahead to representing the American spirit of racing on the best circuits on the earth.
“I’d additionally prefer to thank Mercedes for his or her unwavering assist and sportsmanship in facilitating such an thrilling step.”
Talks with Mercedes are ongoing that might enable Bottas to start out work with Cadillac previous to the top of the present season, and group principal Graeme Lowdon says each drivers will play a significant position within the new group’s growth.
“Signing two very skilled racers like Bottas and Checo is a daring sign of intent,” Lowdon stated. “They’ve seen all of it they usually know what it takes to achieve Method 1. However extra importantly, they perceive what it means to assist construct a group.
“Their management, suggestions, race-hardened instincts and naturally their pace will likely be invaluable as we carry this group to life. A giant thanks to the group at Mercedes for his or her co-operation and understanding.”
