Valtteri Bottas explains what stood out about Cadillac during his negotiations with the team. The Finn believes Cadillac have the vision to make a meaningful impact in Formula 1.
The 10-time race winner positioned himself well this year, with his Mercedes reserve duties keeping him active in the paddock.
This allowed Bottas to evaluate the best options for 2026, before eventually deciding to sign on the dotted line with Cadillac.
Bottas is understood to have spoken with other teams, including Alpine, over the last few months.
Ultimately, he decided that Cadillac offered the best overall package for next season.
Bottas outlines Cadillac’s vision
When Bottas missed out on a contract extension with Sauber, he insisted that he would make a return to F1.
His first move at the end of 2024 was to secure a deal with Mercedes to become their reserve driver.
Not only was this an intelligent decision to keep him present in this year’s contract discussions, but it also give him insights into the 2026 cars.
Having spent months on 2026 development with Mercedes, Bottas is well-placed to guide Cadillac through the next twelve months.
In addition to his extensive experience in F1, the Finn is better placed than most to assist the US outfit over the coming months.
Whilst there is a huge learning curve for Cadillac to overcome, Bottas has no doubts about the team’s potential:
“From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different. Something ambitious, but also grounded.
“This isn’t just a racing project, it’s a long-term vision.
“It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid.
“I’ve had the honour of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here.
“This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport.
“And to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1, is incredibly special for me.”
A chance to surprise in 2026
As the new team on the block, Cadillac won’t be expected to be at the front next season.
If anything, it would be a success if Graeme Lowdon’s team finish 2026 in any position above than last place.
Every other outfit has more experience, more established infrastructure and a larger pool of engineers than Cadillac will start with.
Of course, this does not mean the US project cannot bridge the gap to other teams.
They are understood to have been aggressively pursuing engineers from across the grid in their recruitment process.
Cadillac are also investing heavily in developing the necessary infrastructure to be competitive, which should put them in a strong position in the long-term.
Something to note is that, unlike the other 10 teams, Cadillac haven’t had to balance this year’s challenges with 2026 development.
In short, they could put all their eggs in one basket in the hopes of optimising next year’s package.
Their engine agreement with Ferrari also provides an element of stability for their first steps in Formula 1.
Whilst these ingredients are no guarantee Cadillac will hit the ground running, Bottas seems confident enough this project can do more than just make up the numbers.
Main photo: via Sauber media gallery
