Cadillac F1: Perez & Bottas on New Team, Silverstone Test & Future Goals

Silverstone witnessed the first on-track action for the new Cadillac Formula 1 car on January 16th, with Mexican driver Sergio Perez at the wheel. This shakedown marks a significant step for the team as it prepares for its debut season, alongside the arrival of Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas.

A New Chapter for Experienced Drivers

Perez and Bottas: Parallel Paths

Both Perez and Bottas bring substantial Formula 1 experience to Cadillac. Perez began his F1 career with Sauber in 2011, while Bottas followed two years later with Williams. Both drivers have contributed to Constructors’ World Championship wins – Bottas with five titles during his time at Mercedes, and Perez with two during his four years at Red Bull, a partnership that concluded in 2024.

Did You Know? Valtteri Bottas served as a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2025, maintaining his connection to Formula 1 before joining Cadillac.

Bottas Views This as a “Comeback”

Bottas described his move to Cadillac as a “comeback,” expressing a strong desire to achieve his best personal results. He emphasized a commitment to minimizing any areas where he feels he could have performed better, focusing on maximizing his contribution to the team. He stated his goal is to finish the season knowing he has given everything he could.

Building a Team from the Ground Up

A Collaborative Approach

Perez highlighted the value of the combined experience he and Bottas bring to Cadillac. He noted that they have “been basically through the whole paddock, we’ve done it all, we’ve seen it all in the sport,” suggesting a strong foundation for navigating the challenges of a new team. The opportunity to participate in building a new team was a key factor in his excitement about the project.

Expert Insight: The pairing of Perez and Bottas suggests Cadillac is prioritizing a stable and experienced driver lineup to facilitate rapid development. Experienced drivers can provide crucial feedback on car performance and direction, accelerating the learning curve for a new team entering a highly competitive environment.

The team’s growth is expected to be accelerated by the drivers’ combined knowledge and experience. How this translates to on-track performance remains to be seen, but the initial shakedown at Silverstone represents a positive first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the first Cadillac F1 car complete its initial laps?

The first Cadillac F1 car completed its first laps at a private shakedown at Silverstone on January 16th.

How many Constructors’ World Championships has Valtteri Bottas contributed to?

Valtteri Bottas contributed to five Constructors’ World Championships during his five seasons at Mercedes.

What did Sergio Perez say about the challenge of joining a new team?

Sergio Perez stated that starting with a new team is a different sort of challenge, but he is excited to be part of building it.

With experienced drivers now in place, what impact do you anticipate Cadillac will have on the Formula 1 landscape in its inaugural season?