Cadillac, the new team set to join Formula 1 as the 11th team in 2026, is preparing to announce Sergio Pérez as its first official driver during the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on September 7, 2025. The Mexican, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024 after a challenging season with underwhelming results, is expected to return to the grid to lead the ambitious project of the American manufacturer, backed by General Motors and TWG Motorsports, part of Andretti Global. Pérez’s selection reflects the team’s strategy to blend experience with commercial appeal, while negotiations for the second seat remain open, with names like Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Drugovich among the contenders. The highly anticipated announcement marks a pivotal moment for Cadillac’s debut in the sport.
Cadillac’s arrival in Formula 1 has sparked significant excitement in the paddock, particularly due to its cautious approach to selecting drivers. Led by Graeme Lowdon and with Mario Andretti as a consultant, the team aims to balance experience and market potential to ensure competitiveness from its inaugural season.
The selection process has been kept under wraps, but recent reports indicate that Pérez’s deal is nearly finalized, with final details being ironed out for the official unveiling in Monza, one of motorsport’s most iconic stages.
- Pérez’s experience: With over 280 GPs raced, the Mexican brings technical expertise.
- Commercial appeal: Sponsors like Telcel and Claro bolster the choice.
- Cadillac’s strategy: The team prioritizes drivers with a proven F1 track record.
- Monza as the stage: The Italian GP was chosen to maximize the announcement’s visibility.
Cadillac’s strategy for 2026
Cadillac enters Formula 1 with a robust project, supported by significant investments from General Motors, which plans to develop its own power unit starting in 2029. For 2026, the team will use engines supplied by another manufacturer, yet to be disclosed, while focusing on building a competitive car. Choosing Sergio Pérez reflects the intent to rely on a driver who has faced the sport’s challenges, particularly in midfield teams like Sauber and Force India, where Pérez secured consistent podiums.
The Mexican’s experience, with six wins and 39 podiums, is seen as a key asset for a rookie team needing stability. Additionally, Pérez’s popularity in Latin America, especially in Mexico, where the local GP is secured until 2028, adds commercial value, attracting major sponsors.
The decision to announce the driver in Monza is no coincidence. The Italian circuit, known as the “Temple of Speed,” provides an ideal stage to present the new team to European and global audiences, reinforcing Cadillac’s image as an innovative brand in motorsport.
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— Cadillac F1 Team News (@CadillacF1News_) August 12, 2025
Sergio Perez is set to be announced as a Cadillac driver during the Italian Grand Prix weekend! (@thomasmaheronf1)
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Rumors about the second seat
While Pérez seems confirmed, the choice of the second driver remains undecided. Cadillac is evaluating various profiles, from veterans to young talents, to complement its strategy. Valtteri Bottas, former Mercedes driver and current reserve, is a leading candidate, according to sources close to the team.
The Finn, with 10 F1 wins, would bring experience similar to Pérez’s, forming a solid duo to tackle the challenges of a new team. However, Cadillac is also considering names like Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 Formula 2 champion, who could represent a bet on youth and growth potential.
- Valtteri Bottas: Experience in top teams and consistent points scoring.
- Felipe Drugovich: Brazilian talent with an F2 title and F1 testing experience.
- Colton Herta: American driver considered to strengthen the team’s identity.
- Mick Schumacher: A name mentioned but with less traction in negotiations.
The choice will depend on balancing experience with long-term potential, as Cadillac aims to maximize initial competitiveness without sacrificing future prospects.
Pérez’s impact on Cadillac’s project
Hiring Sergio Pérez has significant implications for Cadillac, both on and off the track. At 35 years old in 2026, the Mexican is still considered a driver in his prime, capable of delivering consistent results, even after a tough 2024 at Red Bull, where he scored only a third of Max Verstappen’s points.
Off the track, Pérez is a valuable asset. His fanbase in Mexico and Latin America, coupled with support from sponsors like Carlos Slim, ensures immediate visibility for Cadillac. The team, which plans to invest over $150 million in its new U.S. factory, sees Pérez as a way to strengthen its presence a in the American market, particularly in events
like the Miami and Mexico GPs.
Moreover, Pérez’s experience handling pressure at top teams can help Cadillac navigate the challenges of a debut season, where the focus will be more on learning than immediate wins.
Preparations for Monza and expectations
The Italian Grand Prix, scheduled for September 7, 2025, will be a defining moment for Cadillac to solidify its Formula 1 entry. Choosing Monza as the announcement’s stage reflects the intent to create a media splash, leveraging the circuit’s historic atmosphere and thousands of fans in attendance.
The team already unveiled its visual identity during the Miami GP in May 2025, featuring a logo that reflects Cadillac’s heritage and F1 ambitions. The Monza event is expected to go further, with details about the technical project and, possibly, hints about the second driver.
- Announcement date: September 7, 2025, during the Italian GP.
- Location: Monza Autodrome, a historic Formula 1 stage.
- Expectations: Presentation of the concept car and project details.
- Media focus: Leveraging Pérez’s popularity for global attention.
Formula 1’s competitive landscape in 2026
Cadillac’s entry coincides with a transformative period in Formula 1. Alongside the new team, 2026 will introduce new technical regulations, with lighter cars and revamped hybrid engines. Sauber’s partnership with Audi, also set for 2026, heightens grid competition, which will feature 11 teams for the first time since 2016.
For Cadillac, the challenge will be competing with established teams while building its operational base. Choosing experienced drivers like Pérez is a strategic move to minimize early mistakes and secure consistent points, crucial for a debutant team.
The 2026 season will also see a new Concorde Agreement, regulating financial and sporting relationships among teams. Backed by General Motors, Cadillac enters with strong resources but will need time to match the technical level of rivals like Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari.
Outlook for the team’s future
Cadillac aims not just to participate but to leave a mark in Formula 1. Inspired by ambitious projects like NASA’s lunar program, the team seeks to innovate in areas like sustainability and energy efficiency. Developing its own power unit, planned for 2029, signals a long-term commitment.
For now, the driver lineup will be critical to establishing credibility. A potential Pérez-Bottas pairing, if confirmed, would create one of the grid’s most experienced lineups, while including a young driver like Drugovich or Herta could add dynamism and local appeal.
- Technical innovation: Focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
- Investment: Over $150 million in U.S. infrastructure.
- Initial goal: Score points consistently in the debut season.
- Long-term vision: Compete for podiums by 2029.
Pérez’s arrival and the Monza announcement are just the beginning of a project set to shake up the Formula 1 grid. With a blend of experience, investment, and ambition, Cadillac is poised to carve out its place in the sport.
