Valtteri Bottas joining Cadillac could turn out to be far more than just a speculative rumor. There are several reasons why the American outfit might be wise to bet on the Finnish driver
Valtteri Bottas to Cadillac. The F1 entrance made by the US team in 2026 has freed a huge list of available drivers. In many think that Sergio Perez has occupied one seat available from Cadillac, signing a rich hidden contract with them.
While this information remains unconfirmed, the time is ripe to start naming realistic candidates for Cadillac’s F1 debut. Among the many drivers speculated over the past months—such as Zhou Guanyu (currently Ferrari’s third driver), Logan Sargeant (mainly due to his American nationality), Mick Schumacher, and Daniel Ricciardo (who, for now, seems unlikely)—the Bottas option is gaining significant traction (see the video published on the official F1 channel).
Bottas in Cadillac for 2026: Résumé and Sponsorships
Should Cadillac, who will be using Ferrari power units in 2026, ultimately select Bottas, many in the paddock would likely welcome the move. Chief among them is Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who brought Bottas back as the team’s reserve driver for the current season. Bottas was chosen not only for his strong personal relationship with Wolff but also for his vast on-track experience—and as a reliable fallback in case of a misstep with young prospect Kimi Antonelli.
Let’s talk credentials. Bottas boasts an impressive 13 consecutive F1 seasons, racing for three teams: Williams (2012–2016), Mercedes (2017–2021), and Alfa-Sauber (2022–2024). His stats include 20 pole positions, 10 Grand Prix victories, and no less than 67 podium finishes across 244 starts.
Beyond his career highlights, Bottas also brings substantial commercial appeal. The Finnish driver earned €9 million in 2024 at Alfa-Sauber and is backed by significant sponsors. Just yesterday, Cadillac confirmed a new partnership with the Hilfiger brand—an entity long associated with Bottas (and Hamilton) during his Mercedes years.
From a sporting perspective, if Cadillac were to pair Bottas with Perez, the result would be a highly competent and experienced duo. Signing two battle-tested drivers like Valtteri and Checo could prove to be the most strategic move available. At this stage, there seem to be no clearly superior alternatives—and for a historic debut season, opting for proven reliability might just be the smartest approach.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
