Sergio Perez’s Cadillac Dreams Crushed as Valtteri Bottas Set to Steal the Spotlight for 2026 F1 Debut
Cadillac’s decision regarding their driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season is causing a stir, particularly within Sergio Perez’s camp, which had long considered the American team as a promising option. Team principal Graeme Lowdon has been carefully weighing his options for the team’s debut year, attending F1 races, and meeting with both drivers and their representatives to secure the right candidates.
Earlier this year, Perez was widely seen as Cadillac’s top target, due to his wealth of experience and the challenges he faced at Red Bull. His time with the team, especially during the 2024 season, was filled with difficulties, making his prospects appear uncertain as he struggled to match teammate Max Verstappen. However, the struggles of other drivers like Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have served to highlight Perez’s continued value in the F1 paddock, suggesting that he’s still a formidable driver, despite recent setbacks.
While rumors circulated that Perez was on the brink of signing with Cadillac, there have been some unexpected twists in the story. Reports now indicate that Valtteri Bottas, who has been a more frequent presence at the paddock and has been actively involved in discussions with Cadillac, is set to be announced as the team’s first official driver for 2026. This development, however, has not gone down well with Perez’s camp, which had hoped for a firm commitment from Cadillac, with the understanding that the team would prioritize a more experienced lineup.
For Perez, this is a particularly frustrating turn of events. His camp had reportedly requested to be Cadillac’s primary choice, especially with the team still undecided on whether they want to pair two seasoned drivers or opt for a blend of experience and youthful ambition, much like Sauber’s strategy. As of now, the American team’s decision to lean towards Bottas over Perez is seen as a major blow to the Mexican driver’s aspirations of securing a fresh start outside of Red Bull.
Bottas, who is 35, has quietly positioned himself as a prime candidate for Cadillac. His familiarity with the sport, as well as his recent involvement with the team, has likely given him the upper hand in negotiations. Perez, on the other hand, might be left wondering if he should have pursued other opportunities more aggressively. Despite the setback, the door may still remain open for Perez in the future, but the current situation suggests that the 2026 season will see Bottas take center stage for Cadillac, with the final driver lineup still uncertain.
