Cadillac F1 has officially signed Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The new F1 team enters the grid with two proven race winners, but both drivers expect a difficult start before progress comes.
Sixteen years ago, a similar story unfolded when Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen joined the new Lotus team in 2010. However, that project lacked funding and struggled at the back of the grid. This time, General Motors has invested years into Cadillac’s F1 entry, signaling intent by hiring two drivers with 16 wins, 23 pole positions, and 106 podiums combined.
Despite the experience, Perez and Bottas admit early challenges are inevitable.
Perez on Managing Expectations
“I’m sure that we’re going to start in a very difficult position,” Perez admitted. “But to me, it’s not where we start, it’s how quickly we manage to progress. That’s the main thing.
“I know racing drivers can get desperate. Once you are in the grid for 24 races and you are fighting at the back, desperation can come. But to me, the main thing I’m here for is to make progress together with the team and to enjoy the ride.
“Because… at this point of my career, one trophy more, one less, it’s irrelevant. I want to be able to enjoy the ride, but also just give my very best every single weekend. If I’m able to do that for 24 weekends, I’ll be pretty happy.”
Perez, who spent over a decade in midfield teams before joining Red Bull, may now face his toughest F1 chapter.
Bottas Prepared for a Reset
Bottas, who lost his Mercedes seat to George Russell in 2022, has already endured years at the back with Alfa Romeo. The Finn says his mindset is ready for another rebuild.
“For me, it’s a bit like when I joined from Mercedes-Benz to Alfa, I kind of had to reset the goal,” Bottas explained. “So I’ve done that process already in my head.
“As we’ve been speaking for a long time with Graeme [Lowdon, team principal], he’s always made sure that it’s not going to be an easy road. Probably the first year is going to be difficult.
“I’ve signed up for this. I know what to expect. Always mentally, if you kind of prepare for the worst, it’s better, because then whatever you achieve, that’s going to be really positive and rewarding. So for me, again, just being involved, getting my hands dirty with the team. Once that progress and success will come, that’s the trigger for me. That’s going to do the thing for me and give me that reward.”
Looking Ahead
Bottas remains optimistic about Cadillac’s future despite the expected struggles. “We’re not there to stay at the back,” he insisted. “We don’t want to finish last. And I believe with this structure, with this group, these people, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to get relatively quickly up to the pace and, that way, enjoy some success.
“And we still have quite a few years left in the tank with Checo, I think, so the goal is to enjoy the success together eventually when we get there.”
Cadillac F1 enters Formula 1 with ambition and experience through Perez and Bottas. The drivers know challenges lie ahead, but both stress progress and patience. Unlike previous failed entries, Cadillac’s long-term investment may finally deliver results.
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