The new-for-2026 Cadillac Formula 1 team is closing in on a pairing of veteran drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, Autoweek understands.
Cadillac’s entry was granted by Formula 1 and the FIA earlier this year and the outfit has been working on its preparations across its facility at Silverstone.
Having established a core group of personnel, and got its infrastructure up and running, it turned its attention to its driver recruitment process. Cadillac’s management held talks with a range of candidates, most prominently at the British Grand Prix last month, though emphasized that it was keen to sign experienced Formula 1 drivers.
Veterans Perez and Bottas were always the frontrunners, and it was widely anticipated that Cadillac would strive to recruit one or both of the long-time Formula 1 racers.
Talks have been ongoing across recent weeks, and it is understood that the respective parties have now agreed terms for 2026, though contacts have yet to be signed.
An announcement—potentially confirming both drivers at the same time – could be made as early as next week, prior to the 2025 season resuming at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Perez started 281 Grands Prix between 2011 and 2024, taking six victories, and a best of second in the 2023 standings.
He lost his seat at Red Bull at the end of the year and has spent most of 2025 in his native Mexico, taking time out with family, but has been pushing for a return to Formula 1.
Bottas took part in 246 events between 2013 and 2024, scoring 10 wins and was twice second in the championship, but was released by Sauber at the end of last season.
Unlike Perez, Bottas has remained active in Formula 1 this year after returning to Mercedes in a reserve driver capacity and has regularly indicated his desire to secure a comeback.
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