P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Cadillac drop Bottas and Perez F1 bombshell
Cadillac has officially confirmed the return of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez to F1 for the 2026 season in an attempt to build a strong driver lineup for their debut year in the sport.
Both drivers, with a combined total of 16 grand prix victories and 106 podium finishes, were cut from their previous teams, Red Bull and Sauber, after underwhelming performances in 2024.
Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Lowdon, has selected the experienced duo to lead the team not just for the coming season but for the long term, hinting at a multi-year commitment.
The signing of Bottas and Perez marks the reunion of the support drivers from the 2021 world championship battle between Hamilton and Verstappen, with Perez aiding Red Bull to claim the drivers’ title while Bottas contributed to Mercedes securing the constructors’ championship.
Both drivers, now in their mid-thirties, view this opportunity with Cadillac as a fresh start, particularly with the introduction of new regulations in F1 and the team’s determination to compete for future world titles.
