Cadillac F1 Team Eyes Experienced Duo: Bottas and Perez
Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has made a compelling case for experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as ideal candidates for Cadillac’s Formula 1 entry, set to debut in 2026. Speaking on the F1 Explains podcast, Steiner emphasized the advantages of seasoned drivers over rookies in accelerating the team’s development.
“If I were Cadillac, I would prioritize experience,” said Steiner. “In a young team, bringing in drivers who have been in competitive environments will help the team progress more quickly.”
Steiner’s insights are informed by his successful tenure at Haas, where he oversaw driver selections and fostered talent from 2016 until his departure. Notably, he managed drivers like Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg, both of whom brought significant experience to the team.
Regarding Sergio Perez, who recently lost his seat at Red Bull following a disappointing 2024 season, Steiner believes he would thrive in a less pressured setting. “A one-year contract could be beneficial for him,” he suggested. “After a year of assessing his performance against someone like Max Verstappen, he could find his footing again.”
Bottas, currently serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes after leaving Sauber, also brings substantial experience, having previously acted as a crucial teammate to Lewis Hamilton.
Cadillac, supported by General Motors and led by team principal Graeme Lowdon, aims to establish itself firmly in the competitive landscape of F1. Mario Andretti, a board member of the team, stated that the initial strategy would involve pairing one experienced driver with a promising American talent. IndyCar driver Colton Herta is reportedly in contention for the latter role.
As the 11th team on the grid, Cadillac’s entry marks a significant commitment to F1, with both Bottas and Perez fitting the profile of drivers capable of delivering immediate impact and fostering team growth.
