, Bottas is closing in on a comeback to F1, with the Finn understood to have reached an agreement with Cadillac for F1 2026.
Valtteri Bottas Set to join Sergio Perez at Cadillac for 2026 F1 Season
Valtteri bottas, currently a reserve driver for Mercedes, is on the verge of securing a race drive with Cadillac for the 2026 Formula 1 season.The Finn has been linked with the American manufacturer since their entry into the sport was announced.
Bottas became a free agent after his contract with Sauber ended last year and has been in talks with Cadillac boss Graeme Lowdon throughout the current season.Sources indicate that these discussions have progressed positively, and while a contract hasn’t been signed yet, Bottas is in the final stages of reaching an agreement.
If confirmed, Bottas is expected to partner with Sergio Perez, forming Cadillac’s initial driver lineup. Perez is also reported to have reached an agreement with the team, though his contract is also pending formal signing. The timing of these signings may be related to logistical factors, such as the availability of legal witnesses during the summer break.
Mercedes’ Bradley Lord has stated that Bottas is a “front-running candidate” for a race seat in 2026, but the team would be open to continuing their relationship with him if he doesn’t secure a drive.
Both Bottas and Perez bring notable experience to Cadillac, with a combined total of over 500 Grand Prix starts and a wealth of points and championship success. Bottas contributed to Mercedes’ Constructors’ Championships between 2017 and 2021, while Perez played a role in Red Bull’s titles in 2022 and 2023.