Grand Prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026.
After months of speculation, the internet has been buzzing with joy as it welcomes back Perez and Bottas to the motorsports realm. These two veteran drivers are no strangers to the Formula 1 grid. With the recent announcement by the Cadillac Formula 1 team, 2026 is looking like a great start. Backed by General Motors and led by former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon, they will thrive as the 11th team on the grid and the second American squad in motorsports.
The return of Perez and Bottas to F1:
Taken from a statement from Formula 1, team principal, Lowdon confessed, “Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent,” said Lowdon. “They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team.”
Previously, Bottas competed on the grid with Mercedes between 2017 and 2021. Then, his journey led him to join the Sauber team from 2022 to 2025 before committing as a reserve for Mercedes in 2025. As for Perez, he brings a wealth of experience to the table from Sauber, McLaren, and Force India/Racing Point before his time in Red Bull.
Combining their achievements, the future of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is off to a tremendous start.
Perez continues to state his joy towards this announcement, “I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud.”
“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded,” said Bottas. “This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision.”
“It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.”
Not only that, to signifiy its all-American identity, Tommy Hilfiger announced in June 2025 that the fashion brand is coming in with a multi-year partnership as the team’s official apparel partner and lifestyle sponsor. With two American icons merging in full throttle, this marks a thrilling chapter for both brands on the Formula 1 stage in 2026.
Image credited to Instagram/@cadillacf1
Amalina Anuar
Amalina Anuar is the Digital Director of Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia. With fashion as her first love, she also has a passion for the beauty realm. While she often showcases neutral tones in her wardrobe, her music playlist is just as vibrant and you'll find her enjoying a good tune throughout the day. A connoisseur of cinematic delights, she finds joy in the heartwarming escapism of rom-coms and the soul-stirring narratives of tear-jerkers.
