Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas Join Cadillac for F1 2026, No Americans Selected

Fast Summary

• Cadillac is set to join Formula 1 in 2026 as the sport’s 11th team, backed by General Motors and led by Graeme Lowdon.
• the team has signed veteran drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas on multi-year deals; together, they bring 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 wins to Cadillac.
• Pérez recently left Red Bull and Bottas served as Mercedes reserve driver after leaving Sauber. Both aim for a comeback through this long-term project.
• According to Cadillac’s leadership, the drivers provide vital experience, technical acumen, maturity, and leadership crucial for building the new team.
• Despite earlier hints at hiring an American driver, U.S.-based options lacked sufficient F1 experience or Super License points. Names like Colton Herta were considered but did not meet requirements.
• Cadillac plans to integrate American motorsport culture but hopes for an American driver in the future.

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Indian opinion Analysis

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 signals growing interest from prominent automotive brands seeking global recognition in motorsport’s pinnacle series. The selection of experienced drivers like Pérez and Bottas-both aiming for redemption after recent career setbacks-is likely strategic for ensuring competitiveness during its critical debut under major regulation changes. By prioritizing proven capability over national affiliation with a U.S.-based racer, Cadillac demonstrates a pragmatic approach focused on long-term success.

For India’s motorsport enthusiasts and industry watchers,this development highlights broader globalization trends in F1 that could be leveraged domestically. With Indian automotive companies like Mahindra exploring EV racing platforms like Formula E previously-noting lessons from GM’s ambitions might prove instructive should local firms consider deeper involvement in global racing circuits aimed at technology branding or audience expansion.