Cadillac’s decision to pair Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez with the team reflects a thorough due diligence process, with experience trumping potential as the primary factor. The duo brings a combination of speed, commercial value, and restraint to the table, making them an attractive choice for the American brand.
Bottas arrives with a reputation for being a decently quick driver who plays nicely with his teammates and is a safe pair of hands. His pairing with Perez, however, presents an interesting dynamic, given their on-track clashes in 2021 and last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
F1 CEO Dan Towriss explained that Cadillac did extensive research on both drivers, considering factors such as past performance, state of the world, and team dynamics. The decision prioritizes experience over market value, avoiding a similar trajectory to Williams with Logan Sargeant.
The question remains why no American driver was selected, despite being theoretically available. Jak Crawford’s involvement in Aston Martin’s 2026 F1 project via simulation work suggests he may have been a consideration, but concerns about following the same path as former F2 champion Felipe Drugovich may have played a role.
Despite Palou and O’Ward’s IndyCar experience and profile in the US, Cadillac appears to prioritize experience over nurture, leaving the prospect of a top American driver joining the team distant until further notice.
Source: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-cadillac-chose-valtteri-bottas-and-sergio-perez-over-american-drivers-for-f1-2026/10753633