When Cadillac received the green light to join Formula 1 in March, the team emphasized the importance of American involvement. Top advisor Mario Andretti, the only American world champion in the history of the premier class, declared at the time that he was looking for at least one driver from the US. Yet, this week, Cadillac contracted Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez. CEO Dan Towriss explains why the Americans had to concede.
According to Towriss – boss of TWG Motorsports, the company behind the Formula 1 team – the experience of drivers like Bottas and Pérez was decisive. American talents like Colton Herta and Josef Newgarden were often linked to a Cadillac seat, but a lack of super license points and Formula 1 experience excluded them for now. In the early years, the team wants to be able to rely on veterans; drivers with a proven track record in the sport.
Future for American Drivers
However, this does not mean that there is no place for American drivers in the future. On the contrary, Cadillac wants to support them on their path to Formula 1 – a sport traditionally dominated by Europeans. “It’s important for us to ensure that there’s a path for Americans towards Formula 1,” Towriss explained.
“But for this first season, this was simply the right duo,” he continued. “Their experience, leadership, and technical knowledge are exactly what we need. We are honored that they have confidence in us and in this project. Of course, there are many young drivers who are incredibly talented, so it was a tough decision. But the leadership that Bottas and Pérez exude immediately caught our attention.”
