Valtteri Bottas has explained the motivation behind his decision to sign with Cadillac’s Formula 1 project, as the American marque prepares for its grid debut in 2026.
The Finn was announced on Tuesday as one half of Cadillac’s maiden driver line-up, alongside fellow veteran Sergio Perez. Together, the duo brings 527 grand prix starts, 16 race wins, and 106 podiums, giving Cadillac one of the most experienced pairings on the grid.
From Reserve Driver to Full-Time Return
After losing his seat with Stake F1 at the end of 2024, Bottas spent 2025 as Mercedes’ reserve driver, supporting the team and mentoring rookie Kimi Antonelli.
But the 34-year-old was eager to return to a full-time race seat, and Cadillac’s ambitious entry offered the perfect opportunity. His decade of experience, spanning both title-contending machinery with Mercedes and the midfield grind with Alfa Romeo/Stake, made him an ideal choice.
Cadillac’s Long-Term Project
The team, backed by General Motors, will run Ferrari power units for its first two seasons before switching to an in-house engine in 2028. Bottas is confident Cadillac can evolve into a competitive force.
“From the moment I began speaking with Cadillac, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded
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.
I’ve had the honour of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here.
This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me.
I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world.
I’d also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step.
A Statement of Intent
Bottas’ arrival, paired with Perez’s comeback, signals Cadillac’s intent to be competitive from the outset. Rather than opting for rookies or unproven talents, the team has chosen experience and stability — a clear sign it wants to make an immediate impact in F1’s fiercely contested midfield.
With Formula 1 expanding rapidly in the United States, Cadillac also has the potential to become a flagship brand for American fans. Bottas, who has raced across three different eras of modern F1, is well-placed to guide the project through its formative years while lending credibility to its long-term ambitions.