3 minute read
For decades, Formula 1 has felt like a European stronghold—gleaming cars, billionaire-backed teams, and drivers groomed from karting academies in Monaco, Milan, and Silverstone. America has flirted with the sport, fielded teams here and there, and cheered loudly when the traveling circus stopped in Austin, Miami, or Las Vegas. But a true American powerhouse on the grid? That’s been missing.
That changes in 2026.
Cadillac’s Entry Into Formula 1
Cadillac has officially announced its debut driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Pérez. Backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is being built from the ground up, with operations spread across Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, UK.
This is more than a badge exercise. Cadillac isn’t showing up to rent engines and slap logos on a chassis—it’s committing to becoming a force. By fusing American engineering know-how with European racing expertise, the brand is aiming to carve out legitimacy in a sport where credibility is notoriously hard to earn.
A Driver Lineup With Purpose
The choice of Bottas and Pérez is no accident.
- Valtteri Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner, is known for his relentless consistency, razor-sharp technical feedback, and ability to anchor a team’s development. His years at Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton gave him a front-row seat to what it takes to dominate the sport. Bottas calls Cadillac’s move “a long-term vision” and says joining the team is about more than racing—it’s about shaping a foundation that belongs on the grid.
- Sergio “Checo” Pérez, with six wins and 39 podiums to his name, brings both racecraft and fan power. Beloved across Mexico and Latin America, Pérez brands Cadillac as “the team of the Americas.” His presence expands Cadillac’s ambition beyond U.S. borders, making this a continental effort rather than a purely national one.
Together, they bring more than 500 race starts, 100 podiums, and—crucially—experience in helping teams grow into contenders.
Why Cadillac in F1 Matters
Cadillac has deep roots in American motorsport, from endurance racing to IndyCar. But Formula 1 is different—it’s the global stage, a showcase where brands either cement their place in automotive history or fade into irrelevance.
General Motors’ decision to greenlight this project signals a bold pivot. F1 is not just about speed—it’s about marketing, technology transfer, and brand prestige. In a world shifting toward electrification and global reach, Cadillac wants to be seen as more than a luxury carmaker in North America. F1 offers the ultimate megaphone.
The Road Ahead
Of course, announcing big names is the easy part. Building a car that can fight for points—let alone podiums—will be the true test. History hasn’t been kind to U.S.-led F1 efforts. Haas remains a cautionary tale: competitive flashes drowned out by long stretches of mediocrity. Cadillac is betting that by bringing proven veterans onboard from day one, they’ll avoid the rookie mistakes.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon has made it clear: Bottas and Pérez aren’t just drivers, they’re builders. Their race-hardened instincts and feedback will be as valuable in the simulator and the garage as they will on Sundays.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. F1 doesn’t reward half-measures.
