When Cadillac confirmed it would be joining Formula 1 as the sport’s newest constructor, the reaction across the paddock was a mix of surprise, excitement and curiosity. With the American brand preparing for its debut in 2026, Cadillac has wasted no time in building a serious project. The team has secured two of the most experienced drivers available, Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Valtteri Bottas.
The pair bring decades of combined racing experience, multiple Grand Prix victories and a wealth of knowledge from time spent at the sharp end of Formula 1. For a team starting from scratch, this is a clear declaration of intent.
Yet Cadillac’s story contains an unusual twist. When Bottas lines up for his first race in Melbourne, he will have to serve a five-place grid penalty that dates back to his final race in formula 1 abu dhabi in 2024. For a brand-new team, this blend of fresh ambition and old baggage creates one of the most compelling narratives in recent Formula 1 history.
A New American Vision
Cadillac’s move into Formula 1 has been years in the making. Backed by General Motors and operated through TWG Global/TWG Motorsports, the team will initially run Ferrari power units before shifting towards its own engines later in the decade. With operational bases in Silverstone, Charlotte and Indiana, along with aerodynamic development in Germany, it is a project with genuine international scope.
The approach is as ambitious as it is distinctive. Inspired by NASA’s Apollo programme, Cadillac’s leadership has spoken of avoiding rigid hierarchies in favour of a flatter, more collaborative structure. Alongside this sit partnerships with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and even a Keanu Reeves-fronted documentary following the team’s creation. Cadillac intends to make an impact both on and off the track.
“We are not just here to add another name to the entry list,” a senior Cadillac executive explained at the launch. “We want to bring something that resonates with fans in America and across the world.”
Bottas and Pérez: Experience at the Helm
In August 2025 Cadillac confirmed what had been strongly rumoured: Pérez and Bottas will form its first driver pairing. Between them, they hold sixteen race wins, podiums across every type of circuit and reputations for technical insight and composure.
For Sergio Pérez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024, the Cadillac project represents an opportunity to restart his career on his own terms. At the announcement, Pérez said:
“Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport. Together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas.”
For Valtteri Bottas, the move represents an unexpected return to the grid. After losing his Sauber seat at the end of 2024, he spent 2025 as a Mercedes reserve. The opportunity to be part of something new was compelling.
“From the moment I began speaking with Cadillac I felt something different,” Bottas reflected. “This is more than a racing project. It is a long-term vision. To be part of a team from its first day is incredibly special and I am ready to bring all my experience to help it grow.”
Praise from the Paddock
The driver choice has been welcomed by many. Veteran commentator Martin Brundle described it as “a great driver line-up,” stressing that their combined experience would help Cadillac avoid the mistakes that often hamper new entrants.
“You need drivers who understand the grind of developing a car,” Brundle said. “Perez and Bottas are steady hands who will give Cadillac a strong base to build from.”
The Penalty That Lingers
Bottas’ return to racing comes with an unusual complication. His last competitive outing, the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ended in controversy when he collided with Kevin Magnussen at Turn 6. The stewards concluded he had “misjudged his braking significantly” and handed him a five-place grid penalty along with three penalty points on his licence.
Because Bottas then stepped away from racing, the sanction was never applied. Under the rules at the time, grid penalties did not expire if a driver was inactive. This means that when Bottas lines up for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, the penalty will still apply.
Although new regulations introduced for 2026 state that grid penalties expire after twelve months, these rules are not retroactive. The FIA has already confirmed that Bottas must serve the punishment.
“The regulation applied at the time of the incident governs the penalty,” an FIA spokesperson clarified. “Since Mr Bottas had not served the grid drop in 2024, it remains in place for his next competitive start.”
For Cadillac, the story ensures that its first race will begin with extra drama. A new team, a new season and a driver already fighting from further back than expected.
Abu Dhabi 2025: The Present Chapter
Before Cadillac turns a wheel, Formula 1 fans have the chance to immerse themselves in another spectacular race. The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held at the Yas Marina Circuit this November, remains one of the jewels of the calendar. The circuit’s transition from day into night under the floodlights provides a setting that is unlike any other.
For those attending, the experience is about much more than the race itself. ES Sport have elevated the way fans enjoy the Abu Dhabi weekend. The Shams Suite offers sweeping views of the circuit, gourmet dining, premium bars and private service throughout the day. The Sunset Lounge brings a vibrant atmosphere, combining live entertainment with exceptional trackside views as the desert sun fades.
These packages have become the benchmark for F1 hospitality. Whether used for corporate hosting, celebrating with friends or as the centrepiece of a luxury holiday, they ensure the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is remembered as a complete experience rather than simply a sporting event.
To find out more about our exclusive hospitality packages, please visit: https://www.es-sport.ae/sports-experience/f1-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/
More Than Racing
Cadillac is aiming to do more than just build a car. The combination of an American brand and international infrastructure positions the team as both a disruptor and a bridge between continents. Formula 1’s popularity in the United States has surged with races in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas, yet no US-branded team has fully captured the public imagination. Cadillac intends to be the one that does.
Pérez, the most successful Mexican driver in Formula 1 history, brings with him immense support from Latin America. Bottas, meanwhile, commands respect in Europe after his years alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Together, they reflect the global nature of Cadillac’s ambitions.
“This is more than just two drivers and a car,” Team Principal Graeme Lowdon said. “It is about building a team that can inspire across continents. With Checo and Valtteri, we have leaders who know what it takes to compete at the top level.”
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