Bottas Begins Preparation with Cadillac Ahead of 2026 F1 Return
Valtteri Bottas has officially commenced his preparations with Cadillac for his anticipated Formula 1 return in 2026. Just one day after the conclusion of the 2025 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Bottas participated in a seat fit at Cadillac’s factory, marking a crucial step in the team’s development.
Cadillac initially announced Bottas’s signing alongside Sergio Perez earlier this year, but his role as Mercedes’ reserve driver delayed his involvement with the new team. Following the race in Abu Dhabi, Bottas quickly transitioned to work with Cadillac, highlighting his eagerness to contribute to the fledgling squad.
“I’m excited to be starting as a Cadillac Formula 1 Team driver – finally,” Bottas stated. He emphasized the significance of this moment, calling it a “proud” beginning to a new chapter in his career. Bottas acknowledged the hard work ahead and expressed his commitment to leveraging his experience for the team’s success: “It’s important to get the preparation right as these moments really are the first steps to getting us ready for the first test.”
In contrast, Perez has already had the opportunity to engage with the team, having completed a two-day testing session with a previous car at Imola last month. Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Lowdon, noted that Bottas’s integration is a vital milestone for the organization as they gear up for their inaugural season.
Lowdon remarked, “It’s great to finally have Valtteri onboard and integrated with the team… We’ve been planning for quite some time now, so it’s fantastic to see these moments happening ahead of our first season on track.” He further expressed pride in the team’s collective efforts, underscoring the importance of Bottas’s talent within Formula 1’s competitive landscape.
As Cadillac prepares for its debut, both drivers are poised to significantly impact the team’s development trajectory.
