Cadillac’s new Formula 1 team has secured Valtteri Bottas for the 2026 season. The American racing stable will soon officially announce that the Mercedes reserve and ten-time race winner has been contracted. In addition, the team is also looking to strike a deal with former Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez. Juan Pablo Montoya explains why, in his opinion, these experienced drivers form ‘the perfect duo’ for the new Cadillac team.
Formula 1 bid farewell to both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez last year. While Bottas was not offered a new contract at Sauber, Pérez’s agreement with Red Bull was prematurely terminated. However, there is hope for both 35-year-olds; Cadillac, which debuts in the premier class in 2026, is keen to attract experienced drivers. The deal with Bottas has been sealed, and Pérez is also expected to sign a Cadillac contract soon.
In a conversation with AS Colombia, Juan Pablo Montoya explained why Cadillac would opt for a Pérez-Bottas formation. “Yes, for me, that’s the pair,” said Montoya. “They should contract one for one year and the other for two years. After that, you need to look for a younger driver who can be significant in the future. Bottas and Pérez are two excellent drivers, but they are also guys who want to stop again in two to three years. That does not change the fact that they are the perfect duo for the initial years.”
Expert Opinions
Pérez not only brings a wealth of experience, but also lucrative sponsorship deals. Moreover, he was known for years as a strong midfield racer before signing with top team Red Bull in 2021. There, he won several Grand Prix, although he never really posed a threat to Max Verstappen. Especially in his last year in Milton Keynes, he struggled with a severe form crisis. Valtteri Bottas also had a difficult end at Sauber, but has ten victories to his name. In addition, he served as a reserve driver at Mercedes this year, undoubtedly gaining valuable knowledge.
“I think Checo should get a two-year contract,” Montoya continued. “With his profile and everything that comes with it, he fits better with Cadillac. But Bottas can also be very fast at Cadillac. It depends a bit on how motivated he is. On a good day, he can be faster than Pérez, but at the same time, he also shows a lot of emotion. So it really depends on the day.”
