Cadillac helped this by declaring Valtteri and Sergio Perez to become its drivers in 2026. The action left a lot of people shocked, as they thought the American brand should have featured the local talent. Rather, Cadillac chose two long time veterans and settled on the principle of holding on, being credible and leading, rather than being a national icon. It is not about an eye-catching entry door but about establishing a solid base which will last the test of time within the sport.
The difficulties or technicalities of joining Formula 1 are some of the most complicated in sports across the globe. It is not uncommon to see new teams fighting at the back of the grid before either making any progress. At least Cadillac knew that they could not have an even harder beginning to its first seasons by insisting on rookies who were still wet behind the ears. Bottas and Perez are credible instantaneously. Both have shown themselves to be race winners and had many years experience at some of the best teams. They understand how to deal with pressure, direct engineers and get the best out of a car when not even perfect. Bottas and Perez have ten and six trains respectively with some of their major car wins in challenging street courses. The two put Cadillac on a firm footing of performance and durability.
They have as much technical knowledge. Formula One isn’t just about the race day. Automobiles improve constantly and a team must have drivers able to clarify what works and what does not. Bottas has a reputation of being composed with detailed feedback, and this trait made him a trusted person within the Mercedes during the time of the championships. Perez has the knowledge of race strategy and tire management which can make a piece of an average car a points earner. Maximizing its operation potential, having both the drivers on board provides Cadillac with two different ways of looking at the early designs that will enable engineers to transform the design into a competitive package.
Leadership is crucial. A brand new Formula 1 team is continuously challenged by technical breakdowns, deadlines and the attention of the press. Even a rookie can be overwhelmed, but there are seasonsed and seasoned drivers, like Bottas or Perez, who had a chance to deal with this kind of situation. Bottas managed to pass through the wars of the championship and years of poor cars. Having setbacks on his career, Pedro has been able to reassemble himself on various occasions. The experience they go through enables them to remain composed when issues occur and keep themselves and the team focused rather than panic.
They have an extendable influence to the cockpit. The both drivers are the mentors and the racers. One of the strengths of the relationship that Bottas demonstrated is an approachable, collaborative style that contributes to the unification of the team. Pérez has the perfect understanding of balancing between fans, sponsors and media and he taught Cadillac how to cope with mass pressures. To a brand yet to establish itself in the Formula 1 fight, these features are worthy just like bare speed.
Commercial factors also were important. Pérez is a highly popular driver in the world whose fan base is massive in Mexico and the entire Latin America. Having such a presence clinically puts Cadillac in instant touch with a passionate market, enhancing sponsorship, merchandise, and brand recognition. Bottas is also not the biggest marketing star yet worlds respect him. This and his professionalism and straightforwardness have won him loyal fans in Europe and particularly Finland and Scandinavia. The combination of the two makes Cadillac have a solid global identity, combining a Latin-American passion and European reliability.
The personality of the American driver was a disappointment to some of the fans, whose going mode is understandable. The Formula 1 super-license system gives preference to the race competing in the feeder grid of Formula 1 like formula 2. American racers such as Colton Herta have been talented, but this has failed to enable them to qualify due to the lack of points awarded by in the Indycar. Whether they are young talents such as Jak Crawford, they do not have the experience that Cadillac requires during the very first seasons. Introducing a rookie to an entirely new team would be a threat to make the development even more difficult.
That does not imply Cadillac has given up on its mission to have an American driver one day. According to team leaders, it is a long term goal. First, though, has to establish stability, and enhance infrastructure, as well as, become a team that can compete. It is only at this point when one will consider giving a hand to a lower experienced local driver.
In the case of Bottas and Perez, their recruitment into the Cadillac is not simply a seat though. Bottas regards the project as ambitious but realistic and the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of a new team as historic. Pérez says that he got perspective by walking away F1 and restored his passion to race. They both are driven by outputs and a chance to leave a legacy in supporting Cadillac to develop.
Eventually, Cadillac reached into practicality. It overrode the emotional excitement of placing an American novice on the field or against drivers who would deliver leadership, reliability and established competence. It will not be the case of both Bottas and Perez going and racing but rather developing the foundations of a team, which will aim at competing on its highs, in many years to come.