According to the team’s CEO Dan Towriss, ‘their experience and leadership profile stood out among all candidates’; Brazilian Felipe Druugovich was also speculated
Closing months of speculation, he officially announced it on Tuesday (26) that and will be his pilot duo for the team’s debut season in 2026. The American team, the result of a partnership between General Motors and Andretti, bets on the vast experience of Mexican and Finnish to face the challenges of their first season and the new technical regulation of the category.
The choice for two veteran riders, who together add up to 527 great awards, 16 wins and 106 podiums, is a demonstration of the team’s strategy to seek solid development from the beginning. “It’s the right combination, the right pilots at the right time. Their experience and lead profile stood out among all candidates,” said Dan Towriss, CEO of the team.
The ad marks the return of Pérez and Bottas to the Grid of Formula 1. The Mexican pilot left Red Bull in late 2024, while Bottas, after his departure from Sauber, was playing this season as Mercedes reserve pilot. “Entering Cadillac is an incredibly exciting chapter in my career. Since our first conversations, I realized the passion and determination behind this project,” said Pérez.
The decision to prioritize the experience set out young talents that were speculated for the vacancies, including the Brazilian. Cadillac’s leadership explained that for a completely new team, the baggage brought by Pérez and Bottas is critical to accelerating the learning curve.
Like the 11th grid team, Cadillac prepares for an ambitious start. The project will have a base in and us. From September, the newly hired duo is expected to start preparation work, participating in tests with a 2023 car to integrate mechanics, engineers and develop internal systems before the official debut in 2026.
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*Published by Nicolas Robert