Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez are now officially set to drive for Cadillac in the 2026 season.
Announced on 26 August by 12:30 BST, Cadillac confirmed their two signings for the 2026 season. Valtteri Bottas will make his return to Formula 1 as part of the Cadillac team.
A Finnish Legend Back on Track
Valterri’s name was always strongly linked with the new seats since Cadillac was confirmed as a 2026 F1 team. From cryptic Instagram posts to answers in interviews, rumours never quite stopped circulating. However, speculations are now coming to an end.
A Pending Penalty?
During his last race as part of the F1 grid, Valtteri Bottas had picked up a five-place grid penalty. Despite certain claims, the Finnish driver will indeed serve it at his next race. Bottas originally picked up the penalty in his last race in Abu Dhabi after colliding with Kevin Magnussen. However, he has not returned to the grid yet, despite being a Mercedes test and reserve driver. This means the penalty is still pending.
Despite the recent rule change on grid penalties (Article B1.10.4g), which limited them to the “subsequent twelve (12) month period,” which means Bottas’ penalty would have “expired” by then. However, a FIA spokesperson has just addressed the matter.
“Currently, the penalty will stand, as there is no mechanism to retroactively amend the penalty that was applied under the regulation in force at the time.”
Thus, it appears Valtteri Bottas will have to serve his penalty for the first race back of the 2026 season in Australia, as it was initially given before the rule tweak.
What About Cadillac’s Second Seat?
Sergio Pérez kept a low profile on social media during the circulating rumors, avoiding any mention of a reunion. In the meantime his social media posts were filled with numerous family images, entertaining golf and vacation pictures, and advertisements for sponsorships.
Pérez’s Sponsorships Ignite Cadillac Performance
Given Sergio Pérez’s remarkable driving record, extensive sponsorships, and expertise, why wouldn’t Cadillac? Pérez’s sponsors include Nestlé KitKat, Patron Tequila, and the massive Mexican telecom companies Telmex and Claro.
Aside from his personal collaboration with Disney on his documentary, he also worked with McDonald’s to introduce the Checo menu to Latin America. Pérez previously said in an interview with the podcast Desde el Paddock that he would be open to rejoining Formula 1 if the career move felt appropriate, but not as a third driver. With fans everywhere waiting impatiently for Sergio Pérez to return, could we anticipate more from Cadillac with a driver as seasoned as him?
It seems that Cadillac Formula 1 wants to make a statement and showcase its presence in 2026.