In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, the much-anticipated Cadillac F1 team has officially thrown down the gauntlet, announcing a powerhouse driver lineup for its 2026 debut season: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. This bold statement of intent, coupled with a firm dismissal of rumors surrounding former Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, signals that Cadillac is not just here to participate—they are here to win.

The announcement, which came during a packed press conference, confirmed what had been whispered in the paddock for months. The American automotive giant, partnering with Andretti Global, is making a serious bid for F1 glory, and their choice of drivers is a testament to their ambition. With a combined wealth of experience from race-winning teams, Bottas and Perez represent a formidable force, one that Cadillac believes will be instrumental in building a competitive team from the ground up.

Graeme Loudon, the Team Principal of the new Cadillac F1 outfit, spoke with palpable excitement about the team’s new signings. “This is a landmark day for Cadillac and for Formula 1,” he declared. “In Valtteri and Sergio, we have two drivers who are not only incredibly fast but also possess the experience and leadership qualities that are essential for a new team. They have been at the pinnacle of motorsport, they know what it takes to win, and they will be invaluable in shaping our journey.”

Loudon’s sentiments were echoed by Dan Touses, CEO of Cadillac’s F1 operations, who emphasized the strategic importance of this decision. “We are not here to make up the numbers,” Touses stated firmly. “We are here to compete at the highest level, and to do that, we need the best. Valtteri’s experience with Mercedes and Sergio’s with Red Bull are unparalleled. They have contributed to multiple Constructors’ Championships, and their technical feedback will be crucial in developing our car for the 2026 regulations.”

The choice of Perez, in particular, has raised some eyebrows. The Mexican driver, a fan favorite known for his tenacious racing style, had a challenging 2024 season that led to an early exit from his contract with Red Bull. After a year out of the sport, some have questioned whether he can return to his peak form. Touses, however, was quick to address these concerns, revealing that the team had conducted extensive discussions with both Perez and key figures at Red Bull.

“We were aware of the narrative surrounding Sergio’s departure from Red Bull,” Touses admitted. “But when we sat down with him, we were blown away by his determination and his hunger to prove himself. He was candid about the challenges he faced, but he also showed us a deep understanding of what went wrong and a clear vision for how he can contribute to our project. He outperformed our expectations in every meeting and addressed all our skepticism with flying colors. We are confident that we will see the best of Sergio Perez in a Cadillac.”

For Perez, this opportunity is a chance at redemption. After a tumultuous end to his Red Bull career, a seat at a promising new factory team is the perfect platform for him to re-establish himself as a top-tier driver. “I am incredibly grateful to Cadillac for this opportunity,” Perez said in a statement. “I have always admired the Cadillac brand, and to be part of their entry into Formula 1 is a dream come true. I am more motivated than ever and ready to give my all to help this team succeed.”

Bottas, on the other hand, brings a different kind of experience to the team. The Finnish driver, a ten-time Grand Prix winner, spent five seasons alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, playing a key role in their record-breaking run of championships. After his stint with the Silver Arrows, he moved to Alfa Romeo, where he has been instrumental in leading a midfield team. His calm demeanor and technical acumen will be a stabilizing force for the fledgling Cadillac outfit.

“I am thrilled to be joining Cadillac on this exciting new adventure,” said Bottas. “The ambition of this project is infectious, and I am looking forward to working with a new team and a new set of challenges. I believe that with the resources and the passion that Cadillac is bringing to the table, we can achieve great things together.”

While the driver announcement was the main event, the press conference also served as an opportunity for Cadillac to clear the air regarding the persistent rumors linking them with Christian Horner. The former Red Bull boss, a controversial but undeniably successful figure, had been tipped by some as a potential leader for the new American team. Touses, however, was unequivocal in his denial.

“I want to address the speculation surrounding Christian Horner,” he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “There have been no talks with Christian, and there are no plans to do so. We have full faith and backing in our current Team Principal, Graeme Loudon. He is the right man to lead us forward, and we are united in our vision for the future.”

This decisive statement not only quashes the rumors but also serves as a strong vote of confidence in Loudon’s leadership. It sends a clear message that Cadillac is building a team with its own identity, free from the shadows of established F1 powerhouses.

With their driver lineup secured and their leadership structure confirmed, the Cadillac F1 team is now poised to embark on the next phase of its development. The challenge ahead is immense. Building a competitive F1 team from scratch is one of the most demanding tasks in modern sport. However, with the backing of a global automotive giant, a pair of world-class drivers, and a clear, ambitious vision, Cadillac has laid a strong foundation for success. The countdown to 2026 has begun, and the F1 grid is about to get a whole lot more interesting. The roar of a Cadillac engine is coming, and with Bottas and Perez at the wheel, it promises to be a sound of thunder.