The Formula 1 driver market has exploded with confirmation that Cadillac has secured both Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for their highly anticipated 2026 debut, creating the most experienced driver pairing available for the grid’s newest team! According to multiple sources, the American manufacturer has pulled off a major coup by landing two drivers with a combined 16 race wins and a massive championship pedigree. This isn’t just about picking up available talent – it’s about Cadillac making a serious statement of intent from Day One. Perez brings six Grand Prix victories and 281 career starts (eighth all-time), plus crucial experience of helping transform midfield teams after his Force India success story, while Bottas contributes 10 wins from his dominant Mercedes era and 246 starts, making them among the most experienced drivers in F1 history with only Hamilton and Alonso having more race starts on the current grid.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect, with team principal Graeme Lowdon having managed Zhou Guanyu during his partnership with Bottas at Sauber, creating existing relationships that should smooth the transition. What makes this signing even more significant is the contract length – Perez is reportedly getting the three-year deal that Red Bull never offered, showing Cadillac’s long-term commitment to building something special rather than just surviving their first season. Both drivers were ruthlessly discarded by their previous teams despite their proven capabilities, but they’re choosing multi-year Cadillac deals over potential opportunities at established teams like Alpine, which speaks volumes about the American project’s ambition. The pairing brings invaluable experience from F1’s two most recent dynasty teams – Red Bull and Mercedes – giving Cadillac crucial references for processes, systems, and infrastructure as they build from scratch.
Alpine made late pitches for both drivers but were rebuffed, while Cadillac had identified them as primary targets months ago, with stakeholder meetings in late July cementing their preference for experienced drivers over younger options like Mick Schumacher or Paul Aron. The announcement could come as early as this week before the Dutch Grand Prix, with both drivers potentially starting simulator work and development programs immediately to maximize their 2026 preparation time, and with Mario Andretti on the board of directors plus a Keanu Reeves-fronted documentary series chronicling their journey, Cadillac is positioned to become F1’s most compelling startup story in decades! Stay updated with all the latest F1 driver market developments at Supercars.com.GH – your ultimate motorsport news destination!