Last Updated on July 14 2025, 9:53 am

The Cadillac Formula 1 project has finally taken its first real step into the driver market, and it looks like they’ve landed a familiar face from the grid. According to reports, a deal has been struck for the services of none other than Valtteri Bottas. But before fans start designing Finnish-themed Cadillac merch, there’s one small detail: the contract hasn’t been signed just yet.

Yes, it appears the Cadillac saga has hit its first “we’re basically there, but not quite” moment. But given the state of Formula 1’s rumour carousel, this one might actually stick.

 

From Silver Arrows to Stars and Stripes?

The report, which originated from Japanese website Autosport Web, suggests that Cadillac’s new F1 team, set to join the grid in 2026, has reached an agreement in principle with Bottas, the well-travelled Finn who’s currently serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver after his stint with Sauber (now rebadged as Audi’s future works outfit).

Though there’s no signature on paper yet, insiders say the two sides are simply ironing out the fine print. No need for panic, unless you’re Sergio Pérez, who’s now watching yet another potential door quietly close.

 

Checo’s Cadillac Dream: Totalled

For a while, it looked like Pérez was the favourite to lead Cadillac’s charge into F1. His experience, North American market appeal, and lingering availability after being shown the door at Red Bull last year all played into a compelling case. But according to whispers in the paddock, Bottas has now nosed ahead.

It’s the classic F1 story: one driver’s missed apex is another man’s pole position.

F1 Drivers gagged over ‘hated’ 2026 regulations

 

An Alpine Pit Stop First?

However, this isn’t your typical done-and-dusted transfer tale. There’s a subplot involving Bottas potentially donning Alpine overalls before his Cadillac chapter begins.

With Jack Doohan’s early struggles leaving Alpine unimpressed, and new reserve driver Franco Colapinto already teetering on the brink of a premature exit after taking over from the young Australian, the French outfit is reportedly scrambling for a reliable “firefighter” to rescue their season.

Enter Bottas, the dependable veteran with zero drama and a hundred grand prix starts’ worth of experience.

Toto Wolff, always one to stir the pot with elegance, even endorsed such a move: “He deserves this position. If someone wants him as a driver, we’ll let him go. With a tear in our eye, of course.”

A classic case of Toto saying yes while pretending to be sad about it.

So, what does that mean for Cadillac? Possibly nothing, or possibly everything. The American team might be willing to loan out their future driver to Alpine for the rest of 2025, especially if it helps Bottas stay race-sharp and out of their payroll books for a few extra months. Then again, Cadillac might be keen to begin building their team culture and simulator programme with Bottas already embedded.

Which side wins out could determine how quickly this deal transitions from handshake to headline.

 

A Long List of Maybes

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has been accompanied by a litany of “maybe drivers.” Everyone from Mick Schumacher to Guanyu Zhou to every American with a racing license has been linked with the seat at some point. There were also half-serious whispers about trying to bring Colton Herta back into the fold. None materialised.

In recent months, the focus narrowed to Pérez and Bottas. With Pérez seemingly out of favour, the Cadillac project seems ready to embrace Bottas as its cornerstone — the experienced hand to steer them through their formative seasons.

If the contract is finalised, the 2026 grid will feature a curious sight: a former Williams, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo / Sauber driver bringing his ice-cool temperament, unmistakable mullet and moustache to the bright lights of an all-American start-up.

Red Bull: Short term gain for long term pain

 

What Cadillac Wants vs What Cadillac Can Get

One can’t help but suspect that Cadillac’s ideal debut pairing was a superstar name alongside a marketable American. But with Colton Herta’s F1 license woes unresolved, and Logan Sargeant now out of Alpine’s reserve picture, the options have thinned.

In Bottas, they get a low-maintenance, PR-friendly pro. Someone who won’t crash every other weekend or say anything too spicy in the media. That’s probably exactly what a new team needs — not a wild card, but a steady scorer. A man who’s not trying to rebuild his career, just trying to keep it going in style.

Of course, for Cadillac’s marketing team, Bottas may not be the fireworks act they dreamed of. But if the team’s first season is more about survival than sensation, he might be the exact driver they need, at least until a future star emerges from the ranks (or another big name fancies an American adventure).

 

The Last Few Hurdles

So, what’s stopping the announcement? It’s not entirely clear, but speculation suggests that the main sticking point may revolve around the terms of Bottas’ 2025 plans. Whether Cadillac agrees to a temporary Alpine detour or insists on getting him in their own car early for testing and simulator work may dictate when (or if) the announcement drops.

There’s also the question of who Cadillac will pair with him. Will it be an experienced wingman? A young American hopeful? Or maybe a PR darling like Mick Schumacher who still commands a strong name, if not a strong qualifying time?

One thing is certain, the clock is ticking, and Cadillac will want to build momentum ahead of their 2026 debut.

 

What Now for Pérez and the Rest?

As for Checo, the Cadillac opportunity slipping away could mark the end of the line in Formula 1. With Audi, Alpine, Haas and Sauber all either locked in or looking elsewhere, the chances of a competitive return seem slim. Unless there’s an unexpected shuffle post-summer break, he may need to start thinking about IndyCar, WEC, or full-time parenthood.

And for the rest of the rumoured candidates? Zhou may still be in play, but a Bottas confirmation would likely force Cadillac to look for a less-experienced, more cost-effective second driver to balance the books.

 

Final Lap: Your Thoughts?

So, Bottas to Cadillac, a smart move for both sides? Or a safe, uninspired choice for a team that’s supposed to shake things up? Would you have liked to see Cadillac roll the dice with a wilder driver pairing? Should they take the risk on an American rookie or stick to proven hands?

You the jury let us know what you think of the Bottas-to-Cadillac news in the comments below.

Horner’s options grow

 

MORE F1 NEWS – Why a 12th F1 team is now on the cards

Since the acquisition of the commercial rights to Formula One by US based Liberty Media, interest in the sport has exploded across the world. The number of race weekends has now reached an all time high and across the grid the incremental interest in the sport has seen the number of team sponsors and partners more than double in under a decade.

The news this week that Apple is substantially outbidding the current US F1 broadcaster ESPN for the rights from next year onwards is further evidence of the significant growth in popularity of the sport in North America. ESPN has been televising F1 since 2018 when NBC failed to renew its $4m a year licensing arrangement with the sport.

The Disney owned channel originally acquired the rights at no cost given the lack of competition, although as F1’s popularity boomed due to the success of the Netflix series, “Drive to Survive” come 2020 they agreed a $5m a year fee with FOM. The following season ESPN agreed a massive increase in the annual fee reported to be around $85m a year, but now the rights will expire at the end of this season….. READ MORE